Just looking at todays matchplay.

Paul Stewart Jones · February 25, 2007

The weather seems to be so nice, so why do most of the Tour Players all base their homes in Florida?

Is it just the in place to live at the moment??

Cameron Circle T · February 25, 2007

That and it almost never gets cold and crappy. Though rare, the weather the other day got pretty cold bc of the altitude etc.

I think the altitude also provides an odd practice environment given that much of the tour is played on relatively low altitude courses, and your ball travels differently etc. when you're as high up as they are.

Onebulldogs · February 25, 2007

They tend to live in Florida for a few reasons:

1. Taxes - this is the primary reason very few PGA players will list California or New York as their homes. Let's say a PGA player makes $1m on the course. They probably make another $1m or more off the course. If you think your state income tax bill is high, imagine what it would be on Tiger's $100m income!!!

2. Airport - Orlando airport allows them to get just about anywhere they need to go. In addition, it is a shorter hop to Europe and the Middle East then the West Coast.

3. Weather - Florida weather allows for year round golf.

4. Facilities and Competition - Counting mini-tour players, there are a lot of professional golfers around to play with/against. In addition, many of the teachers are located in Florida. Finally, many of the courses have top notch practice facilities catering to the pros (see TPC Stadium Course).

Basically, you will see a lot of guys living in Texas, Arizona, and Florida for the reasons mentioned above. They just have to decide what they want the "most" of.