Classic Club Wind

All jokes about putts breaking to the freeway aside, I had no idea that the Classic Club was on the other side of the freeway until this week. This time of year in the desert, that should always make the new host course susceptible to a wind event.

Now, we're not talking about a bad day at the British Open here, but an evacuate-the-television-towers-and-grandstands type of event.

Thomas Bonk in today's LA Times:

As for Perez, let's just say he had the kind of day that sorely tested his newfound positive attitude. He was four over after 11 holes and wound up with a one-over 73 at the wind-blown Classic Club.

It was a round that suffered in comparison with the 60 he shot in the first round at the Palmer Course at PGA West. This was no surprise to Perez, who offered a brief critique of his round.

"Terrible compared to yesterday," he said.

This time, Perez knocked his ball into the water at three holes, including his first shot of the day at No. 1, his first shot at the 10th, plus his four-iron second shot at the 18th.

He was not happy about it, but Perez should have known such a feeling was a distinct possibility, right after he played nine holes in a practice round Sunday at the Classic Club.

"The flags were almost coming out of the holes … it was blowing 80 miles an hour. I said 'We're out of here.' That gave me a good enough sign of what could happen during the week."

The Classic Club played to an average score of 73.37 on Thursday, about 3 1/2 shots harder than the first round. It was also close to four shots more difficult than the Palmer Course at PGA West played in the second round.

"This course is so much different than any other one," Perez said. "It's not even close to PGA West. And the wind tunnel. It howls here….

"That's Not A TV Contract, That's Alimony"

Rex Hoggard peels off a series of funny one-liners before getting to some of the serious issues tied to the new TV deal.

Fifteen years? That's not a TV contract, that's alimony.

"The Golf Channel brings a lot," Finchem said. "The reason for 15 years is that it sets the table for us to protect our position in the long-term as the television marketplace continues to evolve."

The F5s in the movie "Tornado" didn't spin like that. It was a bright and shiny day in Ponte Vedra-ville. Everywhere else, however, folks were on pins and needles last week waiting to hear details of the new deal.

If the Nixon White House would have protected secrets like Finchem & Co., "Tricky Dick's" face would be on Mt. Rushmore right now. Just ask any one of a half-dozen tournament directors who sat by their phones last week waiting to hear their fate.

He then talks to several tournament directors about the fate of their events. The fate of Doral turnaround man Eddie Carbone as well as events in Hartford and Washington are brought up.

But it boils down to this: the Greensboro and Tampa Bay stops are happy, everyone else is either lukewarm or downright upset about the new deal.

Finchem Works Magic?

Ron Sirak breaks out his pom-poms and describes the new ABC/ESPN-free TV deal as "pure magic."

Now, before we look at this more closely, a reader emailed and asked when the last time was Sportscenter regularly showed Champions Tour highlights.

Bingo, you got it, back when it was called the Senior Tour and ESPN televised a whole bunch of it.

Anyway...Sirak cheers writes: 

Just when it seemed the financial sky was falling on his tour, Finchem reached into his top hat and pulled out a $3 billion rabbit, with CBS as one floppy ear, NBC as the other and Brian Roberts (pictured), CEO of Comcast, parent company of The Golf Channel, as the smiling face. This TV deal was pure magic, and it seems everyone won.

Everyone won. Pure magic. Who knew a PGA Tour press release could sound so modest? 

First, the package was more attractive to CBS and NBC with ABC out. Now only two networks will compete for the upscale advertising PGA Tour golf attracts. It would not be surprising if the tour deliberately axed ABC to boost the value to CBS and NBC.

Deliberately axed ABC? The great demographic argument gone so far awry, it's not even funny. 

Second, because Comcast was so eager. Sources tell Golf World TGC is paying a staggering $220 million a year for this "strategic partnership." How can Comcast cover $3.3 billion in rights fees over 15 years?

We are to believe sources claiming that Comcast will write checks totalling $3.3 billion over 15 years, on top of the huge production costs involved where they pay networks as much as $500,000 a week to cover Thurs-Friday telecast costs?

Brian Roberts is a very smart businessman who reports to shareholders. And we are to believe he is letting his company pay almost as much annually as the networks are currently paying in the 2000-06 deal, but in this case,  for the leftovers instead of the prime network events?

Or perhaps $3.3 billion is the potential value of the "strategic partnership," which sounds more like a deal that includes many elements beyond a simple rights fee payment. Maybe after the value of a small Tour ownership stake is computed, or after various hypotheticals are accounted for in best case ad revenue scenarios, or after they throw some more millions on top just to make it sound good, they reach $3.3 billion. 

Manougian, who declined comment on the financials, says the tour deal will take TGC from 70 million to 90 million homes. He also hopes that in areas such as New York -- where market penetration is currently only 50 to 60 percent -- that number will go up. Those increases are, as they say, priceless.

Of course, I forget, the world revolves around New York city. The coveted demo, the chosen people!

By the way, weather update: it was the coldest day this winter in L.A. Don't think it even hit 63. Burr!

Anyway, does Golf Channel actually appear in 70 million homes? Putting it another way, do 70 million homes pay for it? Or, does it currently have the potential to reach 70 million subscribers?

I think Frank Hannigan answered this in his Golfobserver column.

The Golf Channel euphoria expressed by Sirak and select others does not address the fact that ESPN and USA are available in most major hotels, bars, restaurants, health clubs, airports, etc... while the Golf Channel's presence in these visible locations ranges from non-existent to barely. And it's not the first channel that people usually go to (like ESPN).

Think about the number of times you will NOT see ESPN/USA's televised golf in a bar, lounge or a hotel room because it's now on The Golf Channel.

The long-term partnership with the tour also will give TGC unprecedented access to the players, allowing it the opportunity to provide unique and unprecedented programming. It is now truly the tour's network. Finchem hit a financial home run for his side. Now it's up to Manougian to hit a creative long ball for his team.

Now, I'm no ESPN fanatic. The Tour deserves major kudos for not caving to ESPN's demands for pairing-timing input. And as a fan of the The Golf Channel's pre and post round coverage, particularly during majors, they have the potential to be a much better place for serious golf fans. 

But how can anyone who has followed the Tour in recent years believe that they will help deliver "unique and "unprecedented programming"?

Kroichick on Harding's Future

Ron Kroichick in the SF Chronicle sheds more light on the rapidly deteriorating Harding Park situation.  

You may recall that earlier this week the Chronicle reported that the cost to redo the place ended up closer to $23 million, raising numerous questions and also hurting the chances of future muni-rejuvenation projects.

Kroichick writes: 

The Tour's contract with the city includes a provision in which it can back out if the course is not deemed in suitable shape. The city also needs to keep Harding in good condition so it can lure coveted non-resident players, who pay anywhere from $82 to $138 to roam the fairways alongside Lake Merced.

Whoa! $138 for a muni?

Macaulay acknowledged his concern about maintaining the course. Tour officials told him they believe Harding needs a gardening crew of 32 to 34, but that's unrealistic given Rec & Park's obvious financial constraints. Macaulay's staff numbers 24, though fewer than 20 are currently working full-time.

An 18 hole country club staff on the big size would be in the 22-25 range. 32-34 for Harding and Fleming?

What a city!

The next event will occur no earlier than 2008, and it will not be the AMEX (now the CA Championship in Miami) or the Tour Championship (tied to Atlanta). The Bridgestone Invitational also is a longshot, despite last week's speculation; the Tour apparently is committed to keeping that event in Akron, Ohio, through 2010. Maybe the Match Play Championship comes here in '08, or the Presidents Cup in '09.

In other words, Harding had a nice run with the PGA Tour. It's only hope now is a USGA event or LPGA major. 

But more importantly, what's going to happen on a daily basis for the people who matter?

Azinger: If I Think It, I'm Saying It

I knew there was a silver lining in the Tour's failure to reach an agreement with ABC.

"I'm going to be no holds barred this year. If I think it, I'm saying it," Paul Azinger tells the USA Today's Tom Spousta.

"You're always a little guarded," Azinger adds. "If I make any kind of critical comment about the Tour, somebody from the Tour calls the producer in about 45 seconds. That's how much they watch."

Spousta lists a few more Azinger comments, some you've probably read in the last week and some you haven't.

On 2007 schedule player input:

"There's not a player out here that gets to vote on it. Input? They didn't ask anybody I know," Azinger says. 

It is apparent the limited reach, limited appeal and limitless cross promotion on The Golf Channel is starting to sink in. Azinger again:

"You have to look for golf to find it on The Golf Channel; you stumble on golf to find it on ESPN. You've got ESPN on in all the bars, and then golf comes on, which is good for the players. The Golf Channel's not on in too many bars." He also questions whether viewers will be objectively served: "The Golf Channel already treats the Tour with kid gloves. You won't ever see an exposé of any player coming off The Golf Channel." 

And check out John Hawkins' lastest Golf World column:

"I know there's some question about losing ABC and ESPN," said three-time winner Joe Durant [and Tour policy board member], "but this is going to take The Golf Channel to a whole new level."

Really? I can see how a "Big Break XII" featuring Jessica Simpson, Halle Barry and Mischa Barton might take the niche network to a whole new level, although the same probably won't be said of holding the rights to the first two rounds of the FBR Open. The weekday telecasts represent a nice step forward for the new bride, but if this is a marriage of opportunity for TGC, it's one of need for the tour. After ESPN and USA Network pulled out of the Thursday-Friday bidding, where else could Camp Ponte Vedra go?

"Tim [Finchem] said he couldn't be happier with the outcome," said Peter Jacobsen, whom some consider a candidate to succeed Finchem as commissioner. "I think he would have been happier if we had ABC and ESPN. Like every other tour player, I've got my fingers crossed this is the right thing." 

Remember, Hawkins was very positive in the initial portrayal of the Fed Ex Cup.

Next week look for more comments questioning the length of the Golf Channel deal.   

Lorne On Canadian Open, Coore/Crenshaw

Lorne Rubenstein looks at the lousy date given to the Canadian Open. 

But why that summer date? Ross said yesterday that the PGA Tour had been aware from discussions during the past 10 years of the RCGA's preferred dates. That would be around Canada Day, which would put the tournament two weeks after the U.S. Open and three weeks before the British Open.

Given those dates, Canada's national championship would fall around a time when Canadians take the time to appreciate where they live and when many celebrations occur across the country.

These factors, of course, don't matter to the PGA Tour, which gave the date to the Buick Open in Flint, Mich. Well, that's just an hour by car from the Canadian border at Sarnia, Ont.

"The PGA Tour has a big contract with Buick," Ross said. Draw your own conclusions as to why the Canadian Open didn't get the far better week between the U.S. and British Opens.

He also wrote a wonderful column a few weeks ago on Coore and Crenshaw, and the possiblity that they may do a course in Canada.  Interesting quotes from Coore too.

Achenbach On The Ball

After writing about how the modern golf ball is all things wonderful--and no one can argue with its amazing design and construction--Jim Achenbach's gets to the heart of the matter:

Touring pros, aided primarily by technology and greater athletic ability, have become longer because they have learned how to outmaneuver golf ball testing standards. The U.S. Golf Association's Overall Distance Standard now reflects a maximum combined carry and roll distance (under normal test conditions) of 320 yards.

Some players have been known to carry the ball farther than that.

Now, you'd think this notion would outrage the USGA and R&A, right? 

So when is enough enough for the bombers of the PGA Tour? It may be sooner rather than later.

If the USGA rolls back the golf ball – in a drastic alteration to the rules – it should reimburse golf ball manufacturers for the expense of adapting to the new distance standard.

You laugh, but I can't think of a more appropriate headache for all sides in this caper!

The USGA handing out millions of dollars to ballmakers? Absolutely. It is the only fair thing to do.

With a shorter golf ball, golf courses will move the tees up. Golfers can play shorter courses. Older layouts can regain some of the muscle they lost in the era of golf ball expansion.

Well, no one is going to move tees up. But if they stop wanting to move them back, that would be a nice, nice start. 

Torrey Tales

More shenanigans at Torrey Pines. Something tells me would not be going on if they were not hosting the U.S. Open.

Tod Leonard writes about the tee time and fee increase issues.

Thanks to reader Scott for this story on the trademarking of the Torrey Pines name, and the various hands trying to get their piece of the pie.

Bubba Drives Interest In The Game

Tim Rosaforte writes:

If you stayed up late Sunday night to watch David Toms blow out the field at the Sony Open, you were looking for something to keep you from going asleep. Nothing against Toms, who won by five strokes; it just wasn�t much of a final round for drama.

Thankfully, there was Bubba Watson. The purists may think distance is ruining the game. In truth, distance drives the interest in the game.

Distance drives interest in the game? Hmm...so is that why ratings are in the toilet and play is way down? I knew it!

Watson is more than a circus act experiencing his 15 minutes. He is the reason why Tiger Woods went to graphite and why Mickelson was experimenting with a 47-inch shaft this off-season. Watson is the future. He is 6-foot-3, 180 pounds of elasticity, and he didn't appear the least bit nervous on the weekend, finishing with an eagle on Sunday for a check of $244,800 that represented job security.

Bubba is the reason Tiger went to graphite?

Huh, wonder why Tiger's never credited him? Shameful Tiger, shameful.

Boswell Blasts Tour

The Washington Post's Thomas Boswell won't be receiving a muffin basket from Tour lobbyist Powell-Tate anytime soon.  He writes:

When Deane Beman, former commissioner of golf, acquired the land for the Tournament Players Club at Avenel, he said, "This is the greatest parcel of land left on the East Coast to build a world-class golf course." A Washingtonian, Beman touted the chance to create a course that might someday rival its neighbor, Congressional. He played down the fancy political and real estate footwork that allowed the PGA Tour to buy the entire property for $1. Beman talked aesthetics while his Tour counted the cash.

Before any earth was moved, architectural consultant Ed Sneed drove around the property in a cart explaining how Avenel would be his homage to Augusta National and the design ideas of Bobby Jones. There'd be natural amphitheaters on every hole: a spectator's paradise. The sixth hole at Avenel would be a mirror image of the 13th hole at the Masters. What a sylvan idyll.

And don't forget, the Tour was going to take the 6th hole and make it a long par-4 (in the redo-that-probably-won't-happen-now).

Wonder if the Tour would do the same to No. 13 at Augusta? Changing it to a two-shotter would cut down on those dreadful birdies and eagles!

For the last 20 years, the Tour has proved it would always suck the last buck out of the enthusiastic Washington golf public rather than put one extra cent back into the Avenel complex. Every time fans endured quagmire parking lots, or were stuck in traffic for hours, the Tour promised remedies. But it never did anything -- except pray it would never rain again in Washington in June.

And he's just warming up.

The PGA Tour may be technically "nonprofit" in its financial structure, because it has a charity component, but its true purpose is to maximize the income of its members -- the pro tour players. When the Tour first came to Washington in 1980, the 125th man on the money list made $20,000. By last year, the 125th man made $627,000. Not bad for charity work.

As recently as last week, sponsors of the Booz Allen Classic still thought they were in good-faith negotiations with the Tour. If pro golf would invest $25 million in its substandard Avenel factory, then Booz Allen would make a six-year commitment (with a value of more than $40 million in purses and ad time) to remain the sponsor of the Washington event through 2013.

Then this:

This is what Washington gets for supporting the PGA Tour for the last 26 years -- with about 2 million tickets sold, often at rip-off prices in comparison to the weak quality of the fields. This is what Washingtonians get for giving far more than a million hours of volunteer work to the Tour. In a typical summer, 1,500 golf lovers give 50,000 free hours to make the Tour's event happen. This is what Washington gets for supporting the Presidents Cup in its infancy when nobody else wanted it very much. Now the event borders on being world-class. Don't bother to thank us local fans, volunteers or RTJ Golf Club.

And finally, here's the money graph:

"What happened last Friday is all about the money," said one of the key Washington golf figures who has supported the Avenel event throughout the years. "What astounds me is that the Tour doesn't understand how important Washington is to golf. A lot of decisions get made in this government that could impact a business that depends on a nonprofit structure."  

More TV Talk

Ed Sherman on the Tour TV deal winners and losers, leads off with his take on the Western Open (R.I.P.).

Steve Elling takes a closer look at Golf Channel and what it needs to do.

"We've got a lot of areas where we've got to get up to speed," said Frank Nobilo, a TGC analyst and former tour player. "We're in the major leagues. Now we've got to see whether the team is good enough. Hopefully we'll be the Florida Marlins."

No question, the sports analogy fits. Comcast, the cable giant that own TGC, just purchased a big-league franchise -- and now it's time to work on that opening-day roster, because Triple-A talent won't get the job done.

And this: 

Still, it's not unusual for TGC to be ranked around 60th in the prime-time window among cable-TV networks, out-drawn by the likes of Great American Country and Country Music Television. Yep, TGC's minuscule ratings are to ESPN's what a crouton is to Winona Judd, and that will soon be a concern.

Classic Club Previews

Thomas Bonk and Larry Bohannan look at the Classic Club. David Duval's effusive praise:

"It's seemingly a good golf course. You have to see it in different weather conditions and stuff. It's hard to even comment," said David Duval, the 1999 Classic winner.

"I think they are kind of changing the face of the event a little bit. Whether you agree or disagree is a debate," Duval said. "Like Indian Wells (Country Club). I didn't realize it was done until last year when they said, 'Oh, we're done with Indian Wells.' It's just kind of sad. You kind of really associated a couple of places with the Hope."

Bohannan also writes about how the Classic came to be in the golf course ownership business, highlighted by this Yogi-esque quote:

"This course has some longevity to it, and it is just starting its history," said John Foster, a member of the Hope tournament's executive board. "So as it goes through time and generation, I think you are going to find it one of the premier spots. Because it has amenities that older venues don't have, older great venues."

Squeezing The Little Guy?

Doug Ferguson wonders if the new Tour schedule is going to reduce playing opportunities for Q-school and Nationwide grads. Of course it will. And a few players are starting to speak up.

It looks like a best case scenario for 2007 grads would be 20 events prior to the post Fed-Ex Cup, "Chase for the Card" events.

Hot and Cold In Golf

SI's Gary Van Sickle looks at who's hot and who's not in pro golf, focusing on the TV deal winners and losers.

And (sorry reader John), it was nice to read I'm not the only who found Karl Ravetch tough to take. He's great on Baseball Tonight though. But golf? Bring back Cadillac Kelly!

Exec VP of International Affairs!?

Ty Votaw's new PGA Tour title:

Executive Vice President, International Affairs

The Executive part is fun because it vaults Votaw to the same all-important title plateau as Charlie Zink and Ed Moorhouse, who are each making over $1 million a year. (Zink made $17 more than Moorehouse last time the numbers were reported, so I wonder if Votaw will be $17 less than Moorhouse?)

Anyway, the Vice President part is fine too because, why not? Everyone else is a VP down there.

But International Affairs? For someone who had an affair with an international
player, creating problems at his last job? Surely a wordsmith like Tim Finchem could have done better.

Oh and in case you were wondering, Votaw will be the Commissioner's lapdog will report to the Office of the Commissioner.