Jump to content

Creating Another Major Championship


EntourageLife

Recommended Posts

History has proven that major championships can evolve. The U.S. Amateur and British Amateur's were once considered majors (not that long ago). The Masters tournament (Augusta invitational) was created by Bobby Jones and evolved into a major. The Western Open was at one time perceived as a major. Major championships were the tournaments "everyone entered..." The Tam O' Shanter tournament was founded by an uber wealthy man and offered the highest prize money. Everyone wanted to play and travelled from far and wide. The prize money was so great, every player set their schedule around that event and hoped to get invited. Sounds like a major to me..

 

My question is...What if a super wealthy billionaire staged a tournament and offered a prize structure so big nobody could refuse ($100,000,000 1st Place?). Could that evolve into a major???

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 76
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

History has proven that major championships can evolve. The U.S. Amateur and British Amateur's were once considered majors (not that long ago). The Masters tournament (Augusta invitational) was created by Bobby Jones and evolved into a major. The Western Open was at one time perceived as a major. Major championships were the tournaments "everyone entered..." The Tam O' Shanter tournament was founded by an uber wealthy man and offered the highest prize money. Everyone wanted to play and travelled from far and wide. The prize money was so great, every player set their schedule around that event and hoped to get invited. Sounds like a major to me..

 

My question is...What if a super wealthy billionaire staged a tournament and offered a prize structure so big nobody could refuse ($100,000,000 1st Place?). Could that evolve into a major???

I'm not sure something that big is sustainable
Link to comment
Share on other sites

100,000,000 first place?

 

A major failure.

 

Maybe Bob Parsons will do it and then his throngs of suckers will chime in telling us how the tournament is superior in every way.

Callaway XR Pro Attas Tour SPX X
Taylormade Tour issue 15* V Steel 3 wood
Hybrid undecided
Cobra Amp Cell Pro's (All MB) 4-GW Project X Rifle 6.0
Cleveland CG15 56 and 60
White Hot 6 Long Neck

Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 Majors is the right number. Adding more just cheapens them and makes them easier to attain.

 

The newspaper writers suggested the term and the golfing public grabbed onto it and it morphed into what it is. No group or entity can just come out and claim a new major. It doesn't work that way. It's not under the purview of the USGA, PGA, PGA Tour, or the R&A to tell us what is a major and what isn't.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This could very much happen. As the sport grows and becomes more worldwide a wealthy Asian or Russian billionaire could absolutely move the needle by offering an enormous 1st prize purse. Maybe not $100,000,000 as I first suggested for attention, but certainly $25,000,000?

 

Trust me, if the prize is big enough, players will enter. Televise the event and I can promise you everyone would be watching.

 

Play it on a brand new prestigious course (like the Augusta once was) have a huge name behind the event (much like Bobby Jones influence) and perhaps another nation fed up with perception that "unless it's held in US it's not a major or World Championship" and it could happen?

 

Heck the Players Championship was on its way to becoming 5th major if they didn't screw up the scheduling and move it later in year...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A major needs a few things. Prestige of being played on the absolute best course/courses, a unique aspect to it that sets it apart, and as you mentioned, prize money. The problem is that 4 is the correct number and the weakest major, the PGA championship isn't going anywhere because its put on by the governing body of golf (at least in America).

Callaway Rogue SubZero 9* 

TEE CBX 119 4wd 16.5*

Wilson Staff FG Tour F5 3h 19*

Wilson Staff C300 Forged 4i

Wilson Staff FG Tour M3 5-GW

Scratch 56* DS

Toulon Atlanta

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

100,000,000 first place?

 

A major failure.

 

Maybe Bob Parsons will do it and then his throngs of suckers will chime in telling us how the tournament is superior in every way.

 

Then show us their clubs with a pxg towel around them

[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Current bag:
Titleist TS3 Oban Kiyoshi Purple 65 [/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif]Titleist TS2 GD Tour AD-MT 7[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Titleist 818H1 19, 818H1 23 GD Tour AD-DI 85[/font][/size]
[size=3][font=arial,helvetica,sans-serif]Epon AF-705 5-AW MRC OT-I 95
Vokey Wedgeworks SM7 Raw 54M, 58D[/font][/size]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]Scotty Cameron 009[/size][/font]
[font=arial, helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]Taylormade TP5x[/size][/font]

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ain't happening or The Players would already be a major and many

players think of it as the 5th major because of the 5 year exemption

if you win and it getting close to $2 million for the winner and the

strongest field of the year.

 

100,000,000 first place?

 

A major failure.

 

Maybe Bob Parsons will do it and then his throngs of suckers will chime in telling us how the tournament is superior in every way.

 

Then show us their clubs with a pxg towel around them

 

Discuss. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you ask me, the Player's currently feels like more of a major than the PGA Championship does.

 

The thing about majors is, if you make too many of them - they're not nearly as prestigious.

 

It's like the Olympics - if they had the Summer Olympics every summer, no one would care. But the fact that they're every 4 years, and most athletes might get two Olympics during their peak years, makes it that much more exciting and intriguing. And it makes an Olympic medal that much more coveted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I quite like the 4 we currently have, why fix whats not broken ?

Taylormade Stealth + 10.5 (Mitsubishi Kai'li White 60S)

Titleist 913F 15 (Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 70)

Titleist 712U 2I (True Temper Dynamic Gold S300)

Titleist 680 MB 4-W (True Temper Dynamic Gold S300)

Titleist Vokey SM5 50,54,58 (True Temper Dynamic Gold S200)

Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5 SS

ProV1

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A major needs a few things. Prestige of being played on the absolute best course/courses, a unique aspect to it that sets it apart, and as you mentioned, prize money. The problem is that 4 is the correct number and the weakest major, the PGA championship isn't going anywhere because its put on by the governing body of golf (at least in America).

When did the PGA of America become golf's governing body?

Titleist TSR4 9° Tensei AV White 65

Titleist TSi3 strong 3w 13.5° Tensei AV White 70

Titleist TS3 19°  hybrid Tensei Blue/Titleist TSR3 24° Diamana Ahina

Titleist T150 5-pw Nippon Pro Modus 125

Vokey SM8 50° F & 56° M SM9 60°M

Cameron Newport w/ flow neck by Lamont/ Cameron Del Mar

 



 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

While many will say that the media has defined the majors, the players themselves have always defined what is a major. That's why a transition from the two amateur tournaments toward two more pro tournaments occurred in the first place. If the players can't officially make The Player's Championship a fifth major, or replace a major as the fourth, I don't think we will see a change or addition in the majors lineup for a very long time, regardless of the circumstances.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Wynn Ultimate Game offered $2 million to the winner. I think Scott Piercy won and Streelman, Erik Compton, and Tony Finau played along with a few other decent but non PGA tour golfers I think. That is the still the most money ever for winning a tournament I think, and it didn't attract the best players in the world (if they were allowed to play idk, can't remember). But I also think it was like 50k to enter. Money isn't what makes a tournament, but it is a large factor. I'm sure if Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods or Arnold Palmer RIP put their names behind a $100 million tournament (or even $20 million) at some fancy new course they built (like bobby jones at Augusta), it would definitely eventually be considered a major.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No chance the golfing world will ever recognize a true fifth major. The history of the great players of the game are so intertwined with 4 majors. Adding another would drastically cheapen the major counts that we all use as a barometer for differentiating good from great. There would forever be an asterisk (real or perceived) attached to anyone's name who won this fifth 'major'.

 

The Players and the WGC events are already major. They're more prestigious and are of more value to players who are filling out their HOF resumes than the average tour event. Same goes for the FedEx Cup. But for all that, they're never going to be considered a MAJOR.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No chance the golfing world will ever recognize a true fifth major. The history of the great players of the game are so intertwined with 4 majors. Adding another would drastically cheapen the major counts that we all use as a barometer for differentiating good from great. There would forever be an asterisk (real or perceived) attached to anyone's name who won this fifth 'major'.

 

The Players and the WGC events are already major. They're more prestigious and are of more value to players who are filling out their HOF resumes than the average tour event. Same goes for the FedEx Cup. But for all that, they're never going to be considered a MAJOR.

This ^

 

That's what they tried with the WGC events. Yes, they are big tournaments. But, we don't need more majors, then they all become 'normal'.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not very likely even with serious money on the line. The Players has long since been considered a "sorta-Major" but tradition seems to hold on the four majors.

The Players was never gonna achieve major status when it was played in March. No way would the Augusta members let their first major of the year status slip. Now it is in May it would make a lot of sense. It is a major in everything but name already, I think bumping it up would fill that lengthy gap between Masters and Open nicely.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not very likely even with serious money on the line. The Players has long since been considered a "sorta-Major" but tradition seems to hold on the four majors.

The Players was never gonna achieve major status when it was played in March. No way would the Augusta members let their first major of the year status slip. Now it is in May it would make a lot of sense. It is a major in everything but name already, I think bumping it up would fill that lengthy gap between Masters and Open nicely.

 

My issues with the Players becoming a major are pretty limited but I still think its just fine as is. It would be interesting to see how the PGA Tour would set up the course as a major, hopefully they would leave it as is. The second point I'd like to raise is how previous winners would be viewed, either their wins would come with an asterisk or would they rebrand the tournament and keep "The Players" as a separate entity.

Taylormade Stealth + 10.5 (Mitsubishi Kai'li White 60S)

Titleist 913F 15 (Mitsubishi Diamana S+ 70)

Titleist 712U 2I (True Temper Dynamic Gold S300)

Titleist 680 MB 4-W (True Temper Dynamic Gold S300)

Titleist Vokey SM5 50,54,58 (True Temper Dynamic Gold S200)

Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5 SS

ProV1

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Why are you associating prize money with instant credibility as a major?

 

Because it's all about the money. If a foreign billionaire put up a guaranteed 1st Place price excess of $25,000,000 (and same purse structure) week of PGA Championship...everyone would play and it would garner huge attention. Then the PGA Championship would schedule their event around the new foreign event to still attract players. Once an event starts scheduling around something else...that something else is now credible. It's always about the money. Maybe not likely but it has happened before.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Fed Ex Cup has done this (not quite $100m, but a more realistic big, big cash total of $10m) and it's still not considered a major.

 

In my opinion, the majors should stay at 4 to protect history, since the pursuit of records is one of the great things that professional golf has going for it, and as a game it respects its history more than most.

 

The only amendment worth even considering, in my opinion, would be a change to the PGA Championship to bring it outside the United States, since there's 3/4 majors already there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really like the idea of a major being hosted on same course year after year. One reason The Player's gets so much attention (besides the strong field) is the general public knows the course, i.e. 17th island). Obviously, same attitude with The Masters held at Augusta.

 

Recent perception is that the PGA is losing prestige. Maybe align themselves with the perfect host course for a set period of years (5?) and see how the public's course knowledge/anticipation would enhance the event?

 

Thoughts?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

is it not true that the players is basically already nicknamed the 5th major?

 

also - hate to say it but with the WGC events, 4 majors already, Presidents cup/Ryder cup every other year and the Playoffs --- I don't know if these boys could handle another huge venue to prepare for on the menu. Sure they're professionals, but that is a lot of prep.

 

I also don't agree with the logic that a huge purse should/would dictate a major -- it's a major based on history in my eyes. 1 over seas, 1 at home, 1 for the pros (PGA), and the Masters.

PING G430 LST / 9* (dialed to 10.5*) / HZRDUS Smoke Green 60 6.5

Dark Speed LS / 3w (dialed to 15.5*) / Denali Blue 70TX

Mizuno Pro 24 Fli-Hi / 3i / HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 100 6.5
Mizuno Pro 245 / 4-GW / KBS Tour X

SM9 Black / 54,58 / KBS Tour S+

____________________________________________

Odyssey AI-ONE 7CH 35”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I really like the idea of a major being hosted on same course year after year. One reason The Player's gets so much attention (besides the strong field) is the general public knows the course, i.e. 17th island). Obviously, same attitude with The Masters held at Augusta.

 

Recent perception is that the PGA is losing prestige. Maybe align themselves with the perfect host course for a set period of years (5?) and see how the public's course knowledge/anticipation would enhance the event?

 

Thoughts?

 

Recent fact is the PGA has been growing in stature every year by playing better courses and having the overall strongest field.

 

Need to have a better grasp on the facts for the current majors before trying to invent one?

 

Not a serious thread but quickly devolving into the same discussion we have 4-5 times a year, which beats watching snow melt but nothing new.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Discussion and links to Photos
      Please put any questions or Comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Monday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #1
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #2
      2024 Texas Children's Houston Open - Tuesday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Thorbjorn Olesen - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ben Silverman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jesse Droemer - SoTX PGA Section POY - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      David Lipsky - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Martin Trainer - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Zac Blair - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jacob Bridgeman - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Trace Crowe - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Jimmy Walker - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Daniel Berger - WITB(very mini) - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Chesson Hadley - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Callum McNeill - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Rhein Gibson - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Patrick Fishburn - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Peter Malnati - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Raul Pereda - WITB - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Gary Woodland WITB (New driver, iron shafts) – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Padraig Harrington WITB – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Tom Hoge's custom Cameron - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Piretti putters - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Ping putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Kevin Dougherty's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Bettinardi putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Cameron putter - 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Erik Barnes testing an all-black Axis1 putter – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
      Tony Finau's new driver shaft – 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open
       
       
       
       
       
      • 7 replies
    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 22 replies

×
×
  • Create New...