Judge To Tour Caddies: Bibs Are Your Uniforms

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That's what Judge Vince Chhabria wrote in dismissing the federal lawsuit filed by 168 tour caddies.

You may recall that caddies were suing over a host of issues, but the primary issue was with having to wear caddie bibs with tournament or other sponsor branding, free of compensation.

Rex Hoggard reports:

“Even if this contract language might appear susceptible to two different interpretations when considered in isolation, there is only one reasonable interpretation when the language is considered in the context of this case,” Chhabria wrote. “The bib has been the primary part of the ‘uniform’ that the Tour requires caddies to wear.”

The Donald: Tour Won’t Pull Doral Event From My Course

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On the eve of his expected triumph in the New Hampshire Republican Presidential primary--there's something I didn't expect to type--Donald Trump suggested to Golf.com's Peter Bukowski that he's fine with the PGA Tour leaving Trump Doral. Why? Because he'll make more money without the annual stop.

But he doesn't see them ending the longest continuously running tour site.

"They do not want to do that,” Trump said. “There’s no site like Doral in Florida. I have the greatest site in all of Florida."

A higher power may take the decision out of the PGA Tour's hands: the lack of sponsorship going forward that would result from Cadillac not renewing, which appears to be the case.

Waste Management's Attendance Numbers In Perspective

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I always picture a group of Thunderbirds rolling up the sleeves of their blue suede sweaters and throwing darts at new record attendance numbers to announce annually.

Because right on cue, they set new records again at the 2016 Waste Management Open. Mitzvah!

Brian Wacker's tweet of the media center attendance board: 

Though I'm with reader Chris, who noted that extra three just looks a little too perfectly imperfect:

This noted, the Thunderbirds should also be praised for their ticket pricing, which encourages large crowds on a course that is pretty easy for spectators to actually see golf without working too hard.

From their website: 

Monday, Tuesday: FREE
Wednesday – Thursday: $30
Friday – Sunday: $40
Ages 17 & under are free when accompanied by an adult.

At the recently played Farmers Insurance Open, the admission price is $50, with the course closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday. The $50 price might explain the ghost town vibe there this year on Thursday.

Adult – $50 / Seniors – $35
Youth 13-17 – $10 / Kids 12 & under – free
Military FREE with ID

At the upcoming Northern Trust Open, the pricing is both higher and harder to comprehend.

Monday Collegiate Pro-Am: $19
Course closed Tuesday (oy vey)
Wednesday Pro-Am: $19
Thursday Regular Price: $39
Friday Regular Price: $49
Saturday Regular Price: $59 (includes English Beat concert)
Sunday: Regular Price: $49
Any Day Flex Ticket Regular Price: $64
Season Badge Regular Price: $139
Ages 17 & under are free when accompanied by an adult
Military Free with ID

Wounded Warrior Execs Spending Lavishly On...Themselves?

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The Wounded Warrior Project is closely aligned with golf through programs, formerly with the PGA Tour's Birdies for the Brave and mostly through the efforts of many players to raise money for the group. Jordan Spieth made a major 2014 contribution to the group. (The PGA Tour has not given money to the project for three years according to a tour spokesman.)

And while I'm not entirely comfortable questioning lavish spending by those doing the difficult task of fundraising, a New York Times special report posted by Dave Phillipps raises troubling questions. Especially since the bulk of the Jacksonville, Florida non-profit's funds come--$372 million in 2015 alone--through small donations from people over 65, not through the corporate sector.

Besides mentioning instances of excess spending and targeting of employees who questioned the culture of spending, the story points out that as far as charities go, WWP's spending on overheard is excessive at best.

About 40 percent of the organization’s donations in 2014 were spent on its overhead, or about $124 million, according to the charity-rating group Charity Navigator. While that percentage, which includes administrative expenses and marketing costs, is not as much as for some groups, it is far more than for many veterans charities, including the Semper Fi Fund, a wounded-veterans group that spent about 8 percent of donations on overhead. As a result, some philanthropic watchdog groups have criticized the Wounded Warrior Project for spending too heavily on itself.

Some of its own employees have criticized it, too. During five years with the Wounded Warrior Project, William Chick, a former supervisor, said of the charity, “It slowly had less focus on veterans and more on raising money and protecting the organization.”

Pieters: PGA Tour Provides (Photoshop) Grooming Services

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Jason Crook reports on Thomas Pieters going to Facebook to show how the PGA Tour altered his stock photo. Pieters, who finshed second to Rickie Fowler in last week's HSBC in Abu Dhabi, appears to have run into Commissioner Kiehl's and his army of Photoshopping barbers.

Look out Boo Weekley!

PGA Tour: No Plans To Cave On The Shorts Issue

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And I say, you go Tim Finchem!

Alistair Tait quotes PGA Tour spokesman Ty Votaw on the issue of players wanting to wear shorts in tournaments:

"We are aware of the European Tour's change in policy that allows players to wear shorts at certain events during practice and pro-am rounds. The PGA Tour's policy remains unchanged. Players are required to wear long pants when playing practice, pro-am and official competition rounds."

With 773 of you voting, a resounding 64% said pro golfers should be allowed to wear shorts to 36% of you who I agree with.

And Now Hyundai Is Officially In At Riviera

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Tod Leonard reports the expected news following yesterday's announcement of Northern Trust heading east for a playoff event, Hyundai is moving in on Riviera's annual February stop.

The length of the deal was not specified, though sources close to Hyundai say its a 10-year agreement. Having a local company invested for that long and one that is thriving should inject more life right off the bat. And as Nissan proved with its successful tenure here, LA is a car town. So the fit could not be better. Throw in the occasional hole-in-one at 16, and a Rich Beem reaction, and the partnership should be a home run.

Note in the press release that Hyundai's CEO mentions CBS in his engineered quote. For Immediate Release:

Hyundai Announces PGA TOUR Tournament Sponsorship in Los Angeles

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (January 20, 2016) – The PGA TOUR and Hyundai announced today an agreement commencing in 2017 that will make Hyundai the new title sponsor of the TOUR’s longstanding tournament at Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles.

Hyundai, which has its U.S. headquarters in nearby Fountain Valley, Calif., will be shifting its previous sponsorship from the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii to what currently is the Northern Trust Open.

Yesterday, it was announced that Northern Trust will replace Barclays as title sponsor of the first FedExCup Playoff tournament held annually in the New York/New Jersey area, also beginning in 2017.

“Considering that Hyundai Motor America is headquartered and heavily invested in the greater Los Angeles area, this is a perfect fit for Hyundai’s long-term vision and goals as a tournament sponsor,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “Hyundai is a terrific partner that has actively promoted the Hyundai Tournament of Champions since becoming title sponsor in 2011 and used the event to broaden awareness of its brand and products. We are very excited to continue our relationship with Hyundai and look forward to helping with the transition to Riviera Country Club for 2017.”

“The PGA TOUR’s Los Angeles tournament is the signature golf event in the country’s second-biggest market, is broadcast nationally on CBS and is located in the backyard of Hyundai’s headquarters in Orange County,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “During the past six years, we’ve continued to expand our relationship with the game of golf and there is no better tournament for us to be associated with. We can’t wait to showcase Hyundai vehicles to the millions of Los Angeles golf fans and those watching on TV and, most importantly, continuing the event’s long history of charitable activities.”

“It’s worth adding that Hyundai had a tremendous six years as title sponsor of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and helped elevate the stature of the tournament, while making a significant impact on numerous local organizations in Hawaii,” said Zuchowski. “The tournament is in a position of strength and we look forward to watching its continued success.”

An important aspect of Hyundai’s sponsorship of the Tournament of Champions has been its charitable work through Hyundai Hope On Wheels, a national independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping kids fight cancer. The program is supported by Hyundai Motor America and its more than 830 dealers nationwide. In association with the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, more than $550,000 has been donated to the Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children.

NoTrust Bails On LA For Playoff Event Known As The Barclays

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Barclays is out and Northern Trust takes over New York's playoff event, ending almost eight years as sponsor of the former Los Angeles/Nissan Open.

It was a rocky road, with some attendance disasters and bad PR when entertaining after the '08 market crash. Mostly it was an odd pairing for a Chicago company coming west to sponsor an event in February. So much so that there were annual rumors they were looking to get out. After several years of investing in the championship's infrastructure there was a noticeable leveling off of investment.

Doug Ferguson reports there is good news in this on many fronts: Hyundai, a proud and thriving Southern California company, is likely the replacement.

Also, this may be setting up a scenario where a likely non-renewal by Deutsche Bank could mean the end of one playoff event, reducing the bloated August/September schedule by a week. Though certainly not ideal for Boston fans or "growing" purses (if your bonus depends on it).

But first things first, no more Barclays, new LA sponsor. The full press release:

Northern Trust to Sponsor Lead FedExCup Playoffs Event in 2017

PGA TOUR’s New York/New Jersey-area tournament
 to be renamed THE NORTHERN TRUST

CHICAGO and PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (January 19, 2016) – The PGA TOUR and Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) announced today that beginning in 2017, the Chicago-based global bank will become title sponsor of the FedExCup Playoffs tournament held annually in the New York/New Jersey area.

Northern Trust will replace Barclays as sponsor through a five-year agreement that renames the tournament THE NORTHERN TRUST and maintains its position as the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs.

With this move, Northern Trust will not renew its sponsorship of the Northern Trust Open at The Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles once the current contract expires after the 2016 tournament (February 15-21). It has sponsored the Northern Trust Open since 2008. An announcement regarding that tournament’s future will be made in the near future.

“We are thrilled that Northern Trust will become title sponsor of the lead FedExCup Playoffs event beginning in 2017,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “Over the past eight years, Northern Trust’s dedication and passion as title sponsor has reinvigorated the Northern Trust Open, elevated its status as a premier event on the PGA TOUR and significantly increased its charitable giving. We know Northern Trust’s executive team will carry that same leadership and enthusiasm cross-country and continue to build upon the impressive foundation established in the New York/New Jersey market by Barclays.”

This year’s Barclays will be held at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale (Long Island), N.Y.  When the tournament becomes THE NORTHERN TRUST, it will rotate through some of the best courses in the greater New York area beginning with Glen Oaks Club in Old Westbury (Long Island), N.Y., continuing a fantastic rotation throughout the greater New York/New Jersey area:

2018 The Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, N.J.
2019 Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, N.J.
2020 Plainfield Country Club, Edison, N.J.
2021 Black Course at Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale (Long Island), N.Y.
2022 Liberty National Golf Club, Jersey City, N.J.

When Northern Trust became title sponsor in 2008, the Northern Trust Open immediately raised its purse by $1 million and its charitable contributions increased, with more than $2 million going to non-profit organizations in the greater Los Angeles area in 2015. Since Northern Trust became involved, the event has contributed nearly $12 million to charity, raising the tournament’s all-time total to more than $60 million since its inception in 1926.

“From the beginning, we are proud to have worked with the PGA TOUR to enhance the Northern Trust Open for all constituents from patrons to players to the Los Angeles community.  Over the past eight years attendance has more than doubled, fan enhancements such as food trucks and kids’ clinics have been added, military appreciation has expanded and importantly, contributions to local charitable organizations doubled,” Northern Trust Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Frederick H. Waddell said. “Now as we deepen our investments on the East Coast, we are excited to continue our partnership with the PGA TOUR by sponsoring a world class playoff event that supports our growing business and continued commitment to the communities we serve.”

Barclays became title sponsor of what is now The Barclays in 2005. Two years later, the tournament was elevated to become the lead FedExCup Playoffs event. In 2015, The Barclays generated more than $1.45 million for Metropolitan-area charities, raising the tournament’s all-time total to nearly $44.7 million since 1967.

“We sincerely thank Barclays for all it has done for The Barclays, particularly since its transition to become a FedExCup Playoffs event in 2007,” Finchem said. “We look forward to working with the Barclays’ team to make this year’s event the most successful ever when it returns to Bethpage Black in August (22-28).”     

Did Boo Weekley's Beard Earn Him A Special Visit?

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Boo Weekley appears to be trying to outdo Graham Delaet in the Lost-At-Sea beard race, or maybe wants a cameo on Duck Dynasty. Yet only Boo got a visit from Mark Russell of the PGA Tour this week on the range, which he viewed with little concern but maybe as the tour's version of a Sicilian message.

Golfweek's Alex Miceli reports from Waialae on the latest Boo v. Tour saga, which he suggests may be a response to Boo's wraparound schedule comments last fall.

“They ain’t said nothing, just asked when hunting season was over with,” Weekley said of a conversation he had with Mark Russell, PGA Tour vice president of rules and competition, on Thursday at the Sony Open. “It’s all good. I still got awhile. We hunt year round; we hunt pigs year round.”

After missing the cut by a shot on Friday, Weekley seemed unfazed by the earlier conversation and said he is unwilling to make any facial-hair changes immediately unless required by the Tour.

“They ain’t point blank told me I need to shave it, but until they do I’m going to let it keep growing,” Weekley said. “And if they do? Then I’ll trim it up a little.”

Now, knowing Mark Russell that's a fair normal chat to have with a player so it may not have been a targeted visit ordered by headquarters. However, you may recall the Commissioner has a criteria for facial hair. It's a bit Justice Potter Stewart-ish, but I'm pretty sure Boo's not passing the Finchem Facial Hair Test.

"What I say to the players is no secret," Finchem said. "Look in the mirror and ask yourself or your significant other if [you] look good. If the answer is no, you should shave. Lucas is wearing a beard, that's a given. Not shaving that day is different. You're not wearing a beard. To some people it would connote a lack of respect, so there's a little bit of that concern. On the other hand, some guys, such as Jose Maria Olazabal, show up at a tournament with a three day growth and it looks good. Some guys are like that. There isn't a formula."

PGA Of America President Goes To Work For PGA Tour!

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Perhaps most interesting in the fine print here is the PGA Tour advancing an "expanded operational relationship" with Liberty National, the oft-reviled design which hosted a few redesigns, two Barclays and will be site of the 2017 Presidents Cup.

Derek Sprague, far rightThe management deal, following the 25-year partnership anounced last August, would seem to move the budding Tim Finchem-Paul Fireman bromance to engaged status.

Derek Sprague Named Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (January 12, 2016) –Paul and Dan Fireman, co-founders, today announced that Derek Sprague, current President of the PGA of America, has been named as Managing Director of Liberty National Golf Club.  Sprague will be employed by the PGA TOUR as part of an expanded operational relationship between Liberty National and the TOUR.

Sprague, 48, comes to Liberty National from Malone (N.Y.) Golf Club, where he has served as General Manager/Director of Golf for 27 years. In addition to his duties at Malone, Sprague was elected in November 2014 for a two-year term as the 39th President of the PGA, which represents more than 28,000 PGA professionals across the United States. Sprague has received numerous awards and has served in a number of leadership roles at the PGA Section and national levels.

“We believe that this new management agreement will provide the expertise and resources that will continue to enhance the Liberty experience into the future. We welcome Derek and look forward to this unprecedented partnership,” said Dan Fireman.

“Liberty National is an iconic facility and under the Firemans’ leadership has established an impressive legacy in a short period of time and has an exciting future,” said Sprague.  “I am thrilled to be joining the PGA TOUR team and look forward to serving the Liberty National members and guests as we look ahead to The Presidents Cup 2017. I will always cherish my time at Malone Golf Club and would like to express my gratitude to the Malone Golf Club’s Board of Directors, members and staff.”

PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem joined Paul and Dan Fireman in August 2014 to announce a 25-year partnership while confirming Liberty National would serve as host site for The Presidents Cup in 2017. This long-term agreement calls for Liberty National to host up to 10 PGA TOUR tournaments, including the first of the four FedExCup Playoff events in 2019.

“We are excited to have someone as highly regarded as Derek to serve the Club’s membership and their guests, as well as handle preparations for future high-profile events,” Finchem said.

“We offer our sincere congratulations to Derek on landing this wonderful opportunity at Liberty National – further proof that the most qualified person to manage a golf property is a PGA professional,” said Pete Bevacqua, CEO of PGA of America. “Derek playing a major role at a highly visible championship venue is an extremely positive development for the PGA of America as we are dedicated to growing the game at all levels.”

This also means Sprague recently visited Atlanta for several days with Dr. Conformity, Finchem's handpicked specialist who puts PGA Tour job candidates through a rigorous, multi-point, indoctrination boot camp. Congrats on passing Derek!

'15: PGA Tour Drums Euro Tour In Average World Ranking Points

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It's about the least interesting topic imaginable to a golf fan, but to insiders, players and their agents, world ranking points rank right there with Wheels Up credits and free courtesy cars.

Doug Ferguson reports that the PGA Tour widened the gap between their tour and the European Tour in 2015 average World Ranking points to tournaments.

The gap continues to widen in the average ranking points for PGA Tour events compared with Europe - up an average of one point this year, two points from 2012.

Including the four majors and the four World Golf Championships, the PGA Tour averaged 56.4 points for the winner compared with 42.2 points for the European Tour. That's a difference of 14.2 points, up from 13.3 points a year ago.