RESULTS LIV RICH HARVEST FARM IL SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

RESULTS LIV RICH HARVEST FARM IL SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

I watched some of round 1 on the CW APP.  I know I am biased toward the PGA but the TV coverage, atmosphere, overall play, etc was just as I expected.  VERY DISAPPOINTING. Rounds  2 & 3 are on the same network.  Jerry Foltz, who played on the PGA Tour and worked for Golf Channel, is a commentator for LIV.  On Fox News TV he compares the LIV format to the exciting atmosphere of the NFL and NBA and calls the PGA an 11 hour boring event.  He is probably well paid to be a LIV cheerleader which is evident in their broadcasts.  I do not object that they are pushing their product, but do not like the negative attitude they take on the PGA which has been around for 116 years, compared to LIV’s 2.  Professional Golf is not the NFL or NBA.  Golf is different, and PGA events are not boring, as he states.  I don’t blame him for supporting the type of golf which is his livelihood, but don’t bash the PGA.   It is an insult to those of us who watch the PGA on TV and attend their tournaments.

FIRST ROUND  

Crowds look very sparse on TV.  The ”party hole” tried to simulate #16 at Waste Management and looked about half full with loud hip hop music which was very distracting.  I estimate about 1000 to 2000 fans.  The players are in shorts and it does not have the professional look that well pressed long pants have, but the joggers that some PGA players are wearing are just as bad.  Uniforms are gaudy and ridiculous looking.  College uniforms, shorts with their logo and colors are much more appealing.  The announcers continually emphasized the team play of which I have no interest.  They also took a shot at the golf coarse for the Ryder Cup which was unnecessary.  The golf was ok but players didn’t look sharp, with few outstanding shots. TV showed 2 young kids with Aces hats who looked bored stiff. The total Purse is $25M but $5M is divided among the winning team which we are not covering because I doubt if anyone cares about the team, or this tournament for that matter.  However LIV Players will be involved in some way in the 2024 professional season.   As the Fall season progresses I will keep everyone informed on rumors and facts. #1 Sabastian Munoz-5 and 4 others. It is difficult to get information on the individual leaderboard as the emphasis is on team standings.  Maybe because of the upcoming PGA/DP event, The Ryder Cup, a team event but much different and more exciting than LIV events.

SECOND ROUND

Other than Justin Johnson would you pay to see the other 4? #1 S. Munoz-13 #2 A. Lahiri-10 #3 T. Pieters-8, A. Ancer, D. Johnson-8. 

THIRD ROUND

Starts at 1PM EST on the CW network while 2 NFL games are on TV. The New Orlean Saints vs the Green Bay Packers is on FOX, and New England Patriots vs NY Jets on CBS.  Fortunately I have 2 TVs in my office so I can watch the NFL and LIV but other than me, I don’t know who else  is watching the LIV tournament in Chicago. The Party Hole 17 had a near capacity crowd I estimate 5000, but maybe 100 fans following the leaders?  Even the biased TV announcers commented on how quiet it was on the finishing holes.  These are not golf fans, they are attending a party.  It could be a pickle ball tournament. Bryson DeChambeau is the winner at-13 shooting 63. Started the day 8 strokes off the lead, shot 28 on front 9.  Anirban Lahiri who overtook Sebastian Munoz for the lead, missed a putt on 18 to force a playoff.  DeChambeau won $4M plus a share of the $5M that his team won.

OVERALL OPINION

I can’t see the LIV “league” and format continuing with the future agreement between PIF and PGA/DP.  I think there will be a new league replacing the DP World Tour which will emphasize events outside the US.  There will be a system where all players in some way will be intermixed in both tours with top players having some say in where they want to play.  With the input of PIC money, total purses for both tours will be close to $1 billion which will make everybody happy.