Something To Monitor: Northeast Weather And May PGA's

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May 16th, 2019 is likely to be the first round of the PGA Championship.

A year from now we'd be just four weeks from the start of play at Bethpage Black and while this year's brutal winter is hopefully an aberration--with two more weeks of cold forecast meaning substandard growing conditions--the potential for rough conditions should be cause for agronomic concern with the northeast venues currently on the schedule. (Trump Bedminster in 2022 and Oak Hill in 2023 will be weather-dependent as well.) 

I'll check back a month from now, but here is Bethpage four weeks from the likely opening round date: 

PGA Of America Gives Us A Decade To Ponder Why We're Playing Another Ryder Cup At Hazeltine National

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Let's forget that the PGA of America is bringing the Ryder Cup back to Hazeltine National just a dozen years after it last hosted, or that the course in question isn't particularly memorable, lovable or likely to be pursued by other organizations for a championship. The course was beautifully conditioned and in its defense, tainted by Team USA's dreadful Sunday singles placement of nearly all hole locations in the green centers.

According to the announcement...

Hazeltine -- site of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team’s 17-11 victory in 2016 -- will become the first American venue to host a second Ryder Cup. Four English courses have hosted multiple Ryder Cups: The Belfry (1985, ’89, ‘93, 2002); Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club (1961, ‘77); Royal Birkdale Golf Club (1965, ’69) and Southport and Ainsdale Golf Club (1933, ’37). 

So let's ask as we always do with these silly announcements: why lock in venues that aren't in demand so far down the line? What is the incentive? Because the news value tends to range from "who cares" to "I just hope to be alive in 2028", instead of, "boy I can't wait!"

Maybe the PGA of America just wanted to piggyback on the far more popular Gold Medal winning U.S. Men's Curling team, and for that, I can't blame them:

PGA Distance Survey Is In And The Results Will Not Shock!

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The PGA of America's survey on distance is in and they are against a rollback that has not been proposed. The votes mirror the PGA board's position, as outlined prior to the vote by PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua.

As the process makes taking the results seriously almost impossible, you do have to wonder about all of the PGA members who voted about the joys of distance as their dues are used to fund aggressive grow-the-game campaigns. You know, campaigns deemed necessary because the technology era has not grown the game and the PGA of America is pursuing a long list of growth initiatives.

Here is the letter from current PGA President Paul Levy (of no actual golf facility) telling the members how they voted and how the PGA board will protect their wishes:

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A Thermal Exhaust Port In The PGA Of America's Distance Poll?

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In his daily newsletter, The Fried Egg's Andy Johnson points out questions about the PGA of America's distance survey methodology.

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You may recall that the organization took a stand against rolling back the distance of the golf ball, specifically citing the ball and taking a stance against a position that had not been officially suggested by the USGA and R&A's distance report issued on Monday.

Besides taking a premature stand before polling its membership for views from the trenches, the poll itself struck many as odd. Including Johnson, who writes in his daily newsletter of CEO Pete Bevacqua's organizational stance and subsequent polling:

Perhaps in an effort to swiftly bolster his quick statement, the PGA solicited the opinion of its members via a "survey" sent via email to its 29,000 members. The "survey" looks like it was put together by a high school intern and shuns virtually any semblance of scientific poll-taking. The "survey" can be completed by anyone with the link, and (at least to outward appearances) responses can be submitted as many times as one likes. It is, by any definition, completely worthless.
Since the PGA of America has forfeited any pretense of fairness in this "survey," go ahead and vote yourself! You, non-PGA professional, can express your voice by voting here at the link.

I asked the PGA of America for an explanation and here is the response:

The questions were formulated with the help of the National Golf Foundation.  Only PGA member votes are recorded and only their first time accessing the poll counts.  There will be no multiple votes counted by any single PGA member and, in addition, no non-PGA member votes are recorded in any manner.

While that is comforting, it seems odd that there were no cookies telling me I had already voted or telling me I'm not a PGA of America member and therefore the vote will not count. 

This vulnerability in the thermal exhaust port is all probably a moot point given that the PGA of America board has already decided where it stands. 

PGA Of America Denies Imminent Move To Frisco, Sort Of

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Brad Townsend of the Dallas News considers the news of a possible PGA of America move to Frisco, Texas where 36-holes would also be built and majors possibly contested. 

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Townsend weighs the PGA of America's denial that a decision has been made to leave West Palm Beach. The organization has been headquartered there since 1982.

"Last year we issued a request for proposal to a number of markets that are potentially well-suited and interested in developing a new headquarters campus for us. The due diligence phase is ongoing and no decisions have been made."
On Thursday morning the Golf Channel's Tim Rosaforte reported that a late-January internal email alerted PGA of America employees to the fact that the association is considering a move to Frisco. The email, however, also stated that the PGA might remain in Palm Beach Gardens, where it has been headquartered since 1982.

Townsend speculates that the move may be a bargaining chip play and tied to the PGA's COO's desires. 

North Texas, however, has a powerful connection in PGA of America Chief Operating Officer Darrell Crall, formerly the longtime executive director of the PGA's Dallas-based Northern Texas Section.
Crall's current formal job description: "Directs day-to-day operations at PGA Headquarters and is charged with oversight of the PGA's organizational growth, strategic plan, performance goals and priorities, and annual budget execution."

Here is Tim Rosaforte's Golf Central report on the possible move. 

 

 

Keeping Up With The Other Families: PGA Of America Eyeing Move To Frisco, Texas

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Art Stricklin reports on a PGA of America plan to possibly relocate to new headquarters outside of Dallas, Texas, with two golf courses that would be in line to host future majors and/or the Ryder Cup.

Let's hope they get these babies to 8,500 yards to meet CEO Pete Bevacqua's vision to grow the game through distance gains!

The move would radically reshape the golf landscape in North Texas and is likely to provide Texas its first major championship in more than 50 years.

Two new 18-hole semi-public courses are part of the plan — one designed by Gil Hanse, the other by Beau Welling. PGA officials said Hanse would be responsible for delivering a championship course, slated to open by 2020, with the intent of it playing host to the PGA's marquee events, including the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.

Beau but no Tiger?  

Many PGA officials consider the current national headquarters outdated and out of space; the property also sits near a golf course that the PGA of America does not control. Sources said the PGA also felt pressure to act after seeing the enhancements the USGA is making to its New Jersey headquarters, along with the plans the PGA Tour has for a gleaming new space in Ponte Vedra, Fla.

Ah now we're getting to the heart of the matter! 

The Two PGA's: Clemenza's Five Families Rule Sadly Coming To Fruition With Distance Report Reaction

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Monday March 5th, 2018 may end up being the day that the PGA Tour, PGA of America and various shills boxed the governing bodies and Masters into a distance solution that they'll hate. Only time will tell who wins a war as brazen as shooting The Don while he's patronizing a fruit stand.

But as Clemenza explained to Michael in The Godfather, apparently these silly wars are necessary ever ten years. 

I explain for Golfweek.com why the odd reactions by Pete Bevacqua and Jay Monahan were unproductive for golf governing peace. 

PGA Of America CEO: We're Against A Rollback Before The Rollback Was Proposed!

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The absurdity here is both evident and profoundly pathetic: PGA of America CEO issues a statement opposed to any kind of golf ball rollback when no such thing has yet been proposed in the latest distance report, and then declares his membership of 29,000 professionals will be polled with what sounds like a misleading question to validate the PGA of America's opposition to the rulemakers even considering any action.

I know these wars have to happen every ten years, but boy does this signal a conclusion before a solution was even suggested:

"Having just received the full report last evening, it is difficult for us at the PGA of America to provide meaningful comments on its content at this time.  However, given the recent industry discussions and media reports regarding a potential roll back of the golf ball for all players and/or a segment of elite players, our Board of Directors has discussed this topic at length.  Based on the information we have seen, we are highly skeptical that rolling back the golf ball in whole or part will be in the best interests of the sport and our collective efforts to grow the game.  Our nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals would be at the forefront of implementing this potential roll back, so we will be polling them this week to fully understand their perspective, especially on what it would mean for the vast majority of the golfers they serve. We look forward to offering our candid feedback to the USGA and R&A once we have collected that data and reviewed the full report."-Pete Bevacqua, CEO, PGA of America

Can't wait to see those poll questions.

Florida Prilosec Shortage Averted: Pro Tours Retain Tax-Exempt Status In Senate Bill

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Since this CNBC story hit last week reporting the potential Senate tax bill inclusion of a giant headache for golf's professional organizations, heartburn and acid reflux medicine has been flying off the shelves in greater Daytona Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach and West Palm Beach.

While we don't know if this shortage was tied to the possibility of losing 501(c)(6) status for the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and PGA of America, things should return to normal after some Senator struck language sometime Friday. The bill was voted on Saturday morning without language that would have done untold damage to the business operations of the tours and potentially to the PGA of America.

My Golfweek story here on the language in the bill and what this might have meant. Not included are insights into the thousands of messages between tours and lobbyists in the frantic moments leading to the final legislation shaping.

Here is a final version of the bill, minus all of the pork written into the margins.

Report: Aronimink To Get 2027 PGA, 2020 KPMG Women's PGA

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Joe Juliano reports for The Philadelphia Inquirer that recently-restored Donald Ross-designed Aronimink will host the 2027 PGA, 2020 KPMG Women's PGA in addition to its already planned hosting of the BMW Championship in 2018.

He writes:

Officials said about 85 percent of the project was completed before work stopped in early spring, and that the entire undertaking will be completed early in 2018.

Aronimink last hosted a PGA Championship in 1962 and waited a long time for a second one. The PGA of America named it as host of the 1993 PGA but the club pulled out of the agreement in November 1990 when it determined it could not have minorities as part of its membership by the time of the event.

In August, Juliano previewed the Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner-led restoration of Aronimink, which had been modified many times, most recently by the Fazio firm. The story includes a gallery of all 18 Hanse restoration drawings.

Some recent photos of the course post-restoration:

Fall colors on Aronimink #7 🍂🍁⛳️! #donaldross #propergolf

A post shared by Jaeger Kovich (@propergolf) on Nov 6, 2017 at 2:35pm PST

Yes, It's Early To Be Talking About Olympic's 2032 Ryder Cup

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The half-zips were put in storage and in an apparent not to San Francisco circa 1988, the sweatervests were out in full force as the PGA of America announced its new partnership with Olympic Club.

Ron Kroichick with all of the gory details from Wednesday's rollout, attended by O-Club member Barry Bonds, who dressed like he was attending a press conference to announce the awarding of a PGA and a Ryder Cup.

Of course, there was the question of why anyone needs to know this given that the 2032 Ryder Cup is fifteen years away, addressed by Kroichick:

San Francisco also makes perfect sense as a Ryder Cup host, given the city’s international flavor. It will be an event featuring players from throughout the U.S. and Europe, unfolding in an area known for its diversity of cultures.

The only catch: We must wait 15 years.

This uncommon lag time prompted more than a few snickers since the news filtered out last week. Several readers wondered whether they still would be alive in ’32. One colleague suggested Stephen Curry as U.S. captain. Someone wondered if Charlie Woods (Tiger’s son) would anchor the American team, smacking 500-yard drives with next-generation equipment.

All reasonable scenarios.

The Bonds photo opp:

Olympic Club's Lucrative Flip To PGA/Ryder Cup Rota Member: $15 Million Projected Windfall

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The San Francisco Chronicle's Ron Kroichick considers the Olympic Club's grabbing of a PGA and Ryder Cup, suggesting there were lingering tensions with the USGA over repair costs in 2012 and in revenue anticipated for a possible 2027 U.S. Open, which is now headed to Pebble Beach.

He writes:

One logical explanation for the Olympic Club’s change of heart: money. Olympic could earn a projected $15 million from hosting the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship, according to one source. Another U.S. Open probably would have generated between $2 million and $3 million.

The windfall is expected to help finance an extensive renovation of Olympic’s clubhouse, which hasn’t had major improvements in 23 years.

Kroichick also says Olympic Club officials didn't like the terms they were offered.

This reflected a larger issue: Olympic Club officials believed they weren’t offered financial terms comparable to other traditional U.S. Open venues.

None of the principals involved would address these differences on the record, but tension apparently spilled into negotiations over the past year for the 2027 U.S. Open.

As he notes, this likely opens up faster returns to other west coast venues like Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines or maybe even Chambers Bay, all of which garner higher ratings due to time zone differences allowing for more viewers to watch the U.S. Open in prime time.

Not noted by Kroichick but certainly something else to consider if you're wondering why the obsession over Olympic Club, which has slipped architecturally in recent years.

The USGA announced another return to Pebble Beach in 2027 once Olympic Club negotiations stalled: it's the first year of their next television contract.

For the PGA of America, landing Olympic Club adds a second west coast venue to its schedule, a vital chip when the organization starts talking--any day now--to networks about its expiring television contract (after 2019 PGA).

Either way, let's hope Olympic Club figures out how to get some of the character back in its decidedly-modern looking bunkers: 

#8 #olympicrd2

A post shared by Willy Wilcox (@wavegodwilcox1) on Aug 9, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

 

PGA Of America CEO Bevacqua Gets Second Contract Extension In As Many Years

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Last year he was extended to 2021 and at this week's PGA of America Annual Meeting, CEO Pete Bevacqua was extended to 2024.

For immediate release:

PGA OF AMERICA EXTENDS CONTRACT OF CEO PETE BEVACQUA THROUGH 2024

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2017) – The PGA of America today announced the extension of CEO Pete Bevacqua’s contract through December 2024. Bevacqua has served as CEO since November 2012, and his current contract was set to expire at the end of 2021. The PGA Board of Directors approved the extension at the 101st PGA Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas.

Bevacqua guides the decisions and overall strategy of one of the world’s largest sports organizations, serving the Association’s nearly 29,000 PGA Professionals. Under his leadership, the PGA designed and implemented a long-term strategic plan, focused on the Association’s mission to serve the PGA Member and grow the game.  

The plan outlines the PGA’s strategic vision and eight core Member-focused and business-related initiatives. It also defines the PGA’s constant pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovation and collaboration, the teamwork and talent exhibited in its culture, and a devotion to diversity and inclusion throughout the Association’s programs and practices.

Earlier this year, Bevacqua steered the announcement that the PGA Championship will be conducted annually in May for the first time in 70 years, beginning in 2019. The new May date positions the PGA Championship for continued growth, by providing a strong landing spot on the golf calendar, access to world-class venues in new regions of the country and a consistent major championships rhythm that golf fans can embrace from April to July.

“With tremendous leadership and professionalism, Pete Bevacqua has furthered the PGA’s mission and guided our vision for the future,” said PGA President Paul Levy. “Pete is highly respected throughout the golf industry and the business world. The PGA of America is proud to call him our CEO, as he is devoted to our Members and ensuring that the game of golf extends its reach to everyone.”

This dedication is illustrated by the recent creation of the Association’s first-ever Chief Membership Officer position to oversee the core PGA Member-focused areas of the organization, including PGA Education, Employment, Member Services and Section Business Operations. Bevacqua’s focus also includes enhanced Career Services for PGA Members, highlighted by a significant expansion to 18 Career Counselors nationwide.

In addition, Bevacqua has spearheaded the growth of PGA REACH, the charitable foundation of the PGA of America, and its three key pillars of Youth, Military and Diversity & Inclusion. This includes the successful expansion of PGA Jr. League Golf, which grew this year to a record 42,000 boys and girls; the outreach of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) to enhance the physical, mental, social and emotional well-being of veterans with disabilities; and the development of PGA WORKS to promote workforce diversity in golf.

“I am honored to have received this extension, and am incredibly grateful to our Officers, our Board, our PGA Members around the country and my fellow staff members,” said Bevacqua. “I very much look forward to working well into the future to serve our Members and to grow the game.”

Under Bevacqua’s leadership, the most recent editions of the PGA of America’s premier events – the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Golf Club and the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club – set new standards for attendance, corporate hospitality and revenue, while delivering memorable fan experiences.

During his term, Bevacqua has spearheaded the addition and renewal of official patron sponsors and partners—such as OMEGA, KPMG, KitchenAid, National Car Rental and Chase—while working with Ryder Cup Europe to establish Standard Life Investments as the Ryder Cup’s first Worldwide Partner. Bevacqua also negotiated a transformational, 15-year media rights extension through 2030 with NBC Sports Group for the Ryder Cup, KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship and PGA Professional Championship.

Bevacqua orchestrated a partnership between the PGA, LPGA and KPMG to launch the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship in 2015, the first women’s major championship in PGA of America history. A leadership summit was also established to encourage women to use golf in furthering their careers. Bevacqua also facilitated relationships with state and local governments to bring the PGA Championship to historic public facilities at New York’s Bethpage Black (2019) and San Francisco’s TPC Harding Park (2020).

Previously, Bevacqua served as Global Head of Golf at Creative Artists Agency (CAA Sports). He was also Chief Business Officer for the United States Golf Association (USGA); and served as the USGA’s first Managing Director of the U.S. Open Championship.

A former World Golf Foundation Board of Directors’ Chairperson, Bevacqua is a PGA World Alliance leadership team member. He is the current Chairperson of the International Golf Federation, a group that was instrumental in golf’s historic return to the Olympics. In 2017, Jack Nicklaus announced that Bevacqua was elected as a special advisor to the Captains Club for The Memorial Tournament. Additionally, he is a RISE board member, an alliance of sports organizations that promote racial equality. A former Sports Business Journal “Forty Under 40” honoree, Bevacqua also received the March of Dimes Sports Leadership Award in 2016.  

A native of Bedford, New York, Bevacqua graduated from the University of Notre Dame magna cum laude (1993), with a B.A. in English. He earned a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center, where he graduated cum laude (1997). He began his career as a legal associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP in New York City.

Olympic Club And PGA Of America To Wed Next Wednesday: '28 PGA And '32 Ryder Cup

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Ron Kroichick of the San Francisco Chronicle reports that the PGA of America has agreed with Olympic Club to host the 2028 PGA Championship and 2032 Ryder Cup. I have also confirmed the news with a source and will discuss on Friday's Morning Drive around 10 am ET.

Kroichick notes this:

That’s big news in golf circles, because the club’s Lake Course has hosted the Open five times, from Jack Fleck stunning Ben Hogan in 1955 to Webb Simpson winning in 2012. The United States Golf Association, the organization that runs America’s national championship, offered the 2027 U.S. Open to the Olympic Club, but contract talks stalled over the past several months.

Then the USGA — sensing Olympic might accept the Ryder Cup/PGA offer instead, according to one source — announced Oct. 24 that Pebble Beach would host the ’27 Open.

Here is an analysis of the Pebble Beach announcement that was part of this equation.