SI's More Magnificent-Than-Normal Player Poll

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Sports Illustrated's annual anonymous players poll is always fun, but the questions were more clever than ever this year and the responses are all worth looking at as long as you can handle the motion sickness that comes with reading golf.com.

You won't be shocked to know that the male players are not Hillary fans, but the LPGA's finest also don't sound too excited. In the "If you were to be in a bar fight" question, Ernie edged Keegan. Congrats guys, you are considered the most likely to do damage when inebriated!

There are also some epic quotes--"I have a Twitter, but I have never twittered"--

The most alarming question may have been the apparent hostility many players have for paying caddies 10% after a win.

Does the caddie deserve 10% of a winner's check?

PGA TOUR

Yes 67%
No 33%

Loose Lips: "Maybe more like 8%."

The Donald seems to be embraced by the players, with Trump Doral surviving 45% to 39% in favor of keeping the Doral event. In the voting booth, Trump carried the PGA Tour votes 34% to 22% for Undecided.

The other shocking result that speaks to the vitality of the almighty dollar: players would rather win The Players than an Olympic medal.

The Players or a gold medal?

The Players 62%

Gold 38%

The Texas Open or a gold medal?

Gold Medal 76%

Texas 24%

European Tour Winning Battle Of The Bridgestone?

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The news of Rory McIlroy choosing to play the European Tour's 100th French Open June 30-July 3rd instead of the WGC Bridgestone (where he's a former winner and where the European Tour will not be a co-sanctioner this year), allowed ESPN.com's Bob Harig to point out the ugly scheduling showdown between tours.

And based on McIlroy's decision, Harig says the PGA Tour's decision to hold its ground on the WGC date (or having the event at all this year) has backfired.

This WGC's traditional date is prior to the PGA, which wasn't going to work. So what to do?

Move it to a time on the schedule that clearly rankles a so-called partner in these events, the European Tour? Clearly the two sides discussed the situation, with the European Tour expressing its unwillingness to bend on its schedule. And the PGA Tour did it anyway?

McIlroy won't be the only top player to skip Akron. Henrik Stenson is also not going, meaning he will miss two WGCs this year. And defending champion Shane Lowry has a brutal decision to make as a European Tour member who dearly wants to be part of the Ryder Cup team but can't earn any points at the Bridgestone.

Sorry: #SB2K16 Is Not Something To Be Lauded

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Now that the social media swooning has quieted down from the four-day Snapchat and social media advertorial delivered by Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, Smylie Kaufman and Justin Thomas, I’ll bite.

It wasn’t that cool.

At times, the behavior exhibited was boorish, unbecoming of pro athletes who do so much to inspire kids and reckless to their physical health.

Projecting a little, this hyped series of “Snapped” videos spoke to golf’s embarrassing desperation to be liked by a younger generation, fueled by corporations who want to reach demos that the sport has almost never delivered. As someone who has subscribed to the narrative about the next wave of stars—nicer, more social media friendly, more grounded—the “Snapped” antics were kind of cute on day one. But by day four of the drunken behavior, the celebration of the next gen’s legacy suggested a peculiar precedent has been set.

Reading Mike Stachura’s GolfDigest.com piece on the normalcy delivered in last week’s Snapchatted vacation from the game’s young stars, I was taken aback by this:

But the Snapchatification of the trip, the exposure of the lives of Fowler & Friends in what appear to be unguarded moments, makes us wonder if we are seeing a sea change in the attitudes of top young players today, particularly top young American players. Having recently read Wright Thompson’s remarkable Tiger Woods profile for ESPN, it reaffirmed not just how lonely Tiger Woods was at the top, but how alone he seemed to willingly become. This is not the sense we get from the spring-break breakdown Fowler has been sending out from his rickiefowler15 account.

Actually, the sense I got right off the bat was of a promotional nature. Justin Thomas’s Tweet thanking Bakers Bay developer Mike Meldman and the Casamigos tequila that fueled some of the behavior confirmed that the location in question certainly wasn’t opposed to the millions in free advertising delivered by four days of social output. They might have even provided some services on the house. And frankly, I say good for these young men for enjoying their good connections, time off and access to fine tequila.

But four days with multiple examples of childish excess and questionable decision making? Don’t expect everyone to like it and definitely do not get touchy when some suggest you are no longer role models for youngsters.

From a historical perspective, the repeated suggestion of a generational difference between the #SB2K16 lads and previous golfing greats is alarming. Wright Thompson’s 11,000 words on Tiger, released as the kids were living it up in the Bahamas, devoted months of a talented writer’s time to finding out why Tiger behaved the way he did. The article was therapeutic for Tiger admirers who bought into a lifestyle and the imagery he put forward, allowing them feel better about themselves for being duped. Because the great golf wasn't enough, apparently. Why else would anyone spend 30 minutes reading about Tiger not returning to his dad’s unmarked ash grave in Kansas and give two hoots?

Many were invested in Tiger and he made them feel bad for liking someone who wasn't "normal", therefore they look for a cleansing of psychoanalysis to feel better for buying in. Just as many lived vicariously through Snapchat videos last week to have their idea of conformity rubber stamped or their devotion to this strange game deemed normal because our young stars whooped it up in the Bahamas.

Which brings me to the real concern in the hype over Snapchatted vacations. Again, not to pick on my colleague Stachura who was just one of many intrigued by the Bahamas behavior, but he writes:

Exorbitantly wealthy, they still seemed normal, less processed and robotic, more human. Maybe it’s because the backwards caps and board shorts came without corporate logos, but it was like seeing Batman without his cape and tights and realizing that Bruce Wayne knows how to have a good time, can dance and sing karaoke and hey, maybe he can invite me over the next time he parties.

So let’s say this fall we have a player who is more of the loner, iconoclastic variety vying for a Ryder Cup captain’s pick. Say, a Patrick Reed or Bryson DeChambeau or, gasp, a non-youngster like Charley Hoffman. Or a hologram of a cranky-as-ever Ben Hogan (hey, anyone who can make putts!).

Will last week’s outpouring of love for the more “human” generation--of the appropriate demographic of course--force a captain’s hand to pick the conforming, social media fun-loving young “guy” who was hazed by his peers on social media over the player who doesn’t want to play by the modern media rules?

Will we start holding it against golfers—historically a sport of lovable loners, weirdos, nuts and iconoclasts—when they don’t share key details of their lives, take off their shirts and act silly? Will a captain have his hand forced by golf's desperation to be loved by those wanting it to look and act younger?

I hope not.

Parlay! PGA Tour Wants Proposals To Feed Data To Gamblers

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Thanks to reader Glenn for catching Scott Soshnik's exclusive for Bloomberg detail the PGA Tour's request for proposal to data companies who might pay to supply real-time tournament stats to gambling houses.

He writes:

The governing body of American men’s golf “continues to explore the risk/return trade-off associated with potential entry into the online sports gaming category,” the documents said.

Spokesman Ty Votaw said the PGA Tour sends out proposals “all the time,” and declined to comment specifically on its gaming-related RFP. “We’re far away from any kind of deal,” he said. “We only talk about things when we announce them. We don’t talk about things in progress.”

It's in progress! Non-denial denial alert!

At least it looks like the millennials are perceived as gamblers, which is refreshing. Soshnick writes..

“The PGA Tour is at risk of losing the next generation, said Berke, president of LHB Sports Entertainment & Media. “You have to do something or you’re going to fade away to harness racing.”

But like other professional U.S. sports leagues, the Tour has kept its distance. Sports betting is illegal in most states, and active, high-dollar gambling can call into question the integrity of the contests themselves. National Basketball Association Commissioner Adam Silver has said he thinks sports betting will eventually be legal everywhere in the U.S. and has called for it be be federally regulated. Top executives in other sports tend to side-step the topic completely.

Now, I don't want to be a killjoy and point out that betting on golf is tricky business--especially when you don't know whose dog bit him the night before or whose wife crashed the courtesy car...

Increasingly, gambling houses see more money in live betting, where they can offer a new wager with every stroke. A handful of sites already offer this kind of gambling on golf based on unofficial data feeds.

The growth of this kind of point-by-point wagering has created a lucrative opportunity for leagues. In December, Sportradar renewed its data contract with the International Tennis Federation for $14 million a year over five years -- six times the value of the company’s original deal with the ITF in 2012.

Oh...that could pay for the next two TPC Sawgrass renovations.

Happy Easter! Commish Finchem "Likely" Retiring By End Of '16

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AP's Doug Ferguson reports that PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem has signed a one-year extension but plans to retire by the end of 2016, pending Policy Board approval of Deputy Commish Jay Monahan.

Ferguson writes:

"For every organization there is a time,'' said Finchem, 68, who began his tenure in 1994 and is just the third commissioner in the PGA Tour's history. "I could probably go on another five or six years. But I don't think that is best for the organization. I don't consider myself old. But I'm getting old.''

Oh 68's the new 60 Tim, except for the people you pushed into retirement at 60!

Monahan was named the tour's COO this week, which many assumed was a sign of Finchem hanging on a few years more to finish off two or three pet projects.

Monahan, former of Fenway Sports, figures to be more in the vein of Adam Silver (NBA) and Rob Manfred (MLB), bringing a modern sports fan perspective and a lot less aloofness. But more gray hair!

Elevated To PGA Tour COO: Jay Monahan

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If there was any question about Deputy PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan having to wait longer for Commissioner Tim Finchem to give up the keys to the corporate jet, any doubt was set aside with the naming of Deputy Commissioner as the new COO.

With his contract soon up, this essentially ensures a few more years of Finchem bringing his special blend of wit, wisdom and commissioning prowess to the golfing world. Even though he likes to run off most folks at 60 and a Monahan elevation would have mirrored the progressive leaps that MLB and the NBA have taken with their commissionerships, somehow the Policy Board run by Finchem just can't get enough of his charm.

Here's the release on Monahan's promotion, which also ensures that he has even more thankless tasks added to his plate already filled by sponsors lunches and sponsor meetings.

No word yet on the status of the current co-COO's Charlie Zink and Ed Moorhouse, who are still listed on the tour's Executive Bio page.

COO added to PGA TOUR Deputy Commissioner Jay Monahan’s Job Title

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (March 24, 2016) – PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem announced today that Jay Monahan has been named Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the PGA TOUR, effective April 1. Monahan has served as Deputy Commissioner since April 1, 2014.

“This is another step in the organization’s succession planning as Jay continues to work closely with me pertaining to all business matters,” Finchem said.  

Prior to being named Deputy Commissioner, Monahan served as Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President at the TOUR from 2013-2014. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President for Business Development from 2010-13 and oversaw THE PLAYERS Championship as Executive Director from 2008-2010.

Monahan came to the TOUR from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), where he served as executive vice president.  

SXSW Panel: Virtual Reality And Golf

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If you aren't one of the cool kids who landed a badge for SXSW (South By...duh), there was a golf-related panel on making virtual reality a reality in golf.

The PGA Tour's Sloane Kelly helmed the panel with Alex Lindsay of the Pixel Corps and Oculus' TJ Won.

According to Erica Bloom, this is something the tour is getting serious about (you can view a sort-of sample here). But back to where the only people who matter gathered, the panel discussion was described this way:

With picturesque venues that change every week, an abundance of data, and individuals competing, professional golf is uniquely positioned among sports for virtual reality. At this stage in VR, the pace of the game is another benefit, bringing action to viewers while also ensuring they can easily follow along. The role of individual athlete personalities is also key. Watching a golfer play or interact with a caddy creates an intimate behind-the-scenes view of life on the greens. It can also help a viewer gather valuable instruction tips. From concepting to the shooting and stitching of video footage, this panel will explore the takeaways (and pitfalls) in producing PGA TOUR golf in VR.

The panel for those with 57 minutes to spare:

Where Do Golf's Leading Bodies Stand On Trump?

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Forget the question of where you stand on Donald Trump politically--even though most seem to despise the man as he racks up votes and states in the Republican presidential primary.

I'm more interested in knowing if anyone understands where the PGA Tour, USGA, PGA of America and R&A stand with the man.

After all, they joined forces to condemn him last July in a strongly-worded, unprecedented Four-Of-Five Family statement. The PGA Tour continues to signal in roundabout ways that they won't mind the Doral partnership ending this week, though much of that tension may stem from philosophic course setup differences.

Upon consuming some pre-Doral writings and a well-produced TV piece (like the one from Golf Channel hosted by Gary Williams), I'm more confused than ever as to where they all stand on the man. We've heard how he's bad, he's wrong, he's divisive, he's Mussolini, he's...we still kind of like him!

I sense Golf.com's Cameron Morfit has picked up this weird inconsistency, prompting a commentary calling on the tour to cut ties with Trump:

It was only two years ago that the PGA of America swiftly fired President Ted Bishop for calling Ian Poulter a "lil girl" on social media. Compared to Trump's bombast, Bishop's slip-up seems small, but context is everything. Golf was and is in the midst of a reckoning as it deals with declining participation; the sport needs little girls to feel welcome at their local course, not wondering why one of the sport's leaders would use "lil girl" as an insult.

And in Karen Crouse's NY Times analysis of the Trump-golf relationship, there was this from the former Carter Administration member who makes political donations (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

In January, at a tour stop outside Palm Springs., the PGA commissioner, Tim Finchem, was asked about the extent of former President Bill Clinton’s involvement with the event. The Clinton Foundation was one of the sponsors, but Clinton, a tireless promoter of the tournament in recent years, was spending time on the campaign trail with his wife, Hillary Clinton, a front-runner for the Democratic presidential nomination.
“We like to think that presidential politics doesn’t affect the situation here,” Finchem said.

Perhaps with an eye toward defusing any controversy here, Finchem added that the tour and its tournaments were “apolitical” and said, “We’re going to stay that way.”

In golf's leadership world, they're still taking tournaments to his courses and passing opportunities to break free. It's as if they are afraid to say goodbye. And since Mr. Trump could be the Republican nominee and America's next president, you can't blame them for wanting a line to the White House. It's a lot sexier than a line to Mara-a-Lago.

So just admit it Mssrs. Finchem, Bevacqua, Davis and Slumbers: you don't like his comments but also fear getting on Mr. Trump's bad side. Or admit you like his courses and the markets they're in because you're all about the bottom line.

But don't condemn the man and his positions, and then continue to do business with him as he doesn't soften his more controversial stances. That inconsistency brings more shame to the game than taking a traditional stance on such a divisive figure.