In light of recent comments and questions about the financial structure and operation of the PGA Tour, we felt it appropriate to express our views as longtime PGA Tour players and former player directors.
A bit of history: When the PGA Tour was formed as an organization back in 1968, it was done for the purpose of providing a series of professional golf tournaments for its members. The tour was formed by players including Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. It has since grown in scope and size to what it is today.
The PGA Tour is the world’s premier membership organization for touring professional golfers. It is open and available to any and all golfers, should they meet the qualification standards.
The many events that operate under the PGA Tour umbrella around the world represent the communities in which they play, with a substantial focus on raising as much money and awareness as possible for the charities they represent and support. While it’s fun to watch players hit 225-yard 8-irons, hole out bunker shots and drain pressure-packed putts for the win, the clear objective of these tournament organizations is simple.
Charity.
This is evidenced by the more than $3 billion the PGA Tour and its events have raised for charity since 1968, which is an astounding amount of money that far outstrips the charitable donations of every other sports league.
These funds have supported such incredible charities like the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Arnold and Winnie Palmer Children's Hospital, TGR Foundation, Nicklaus Children's Healthcare Foundation, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs and Habitat for Humanity to name just a few. These organizations confront issues associated with children's healthcare, breast cancer, education, at-risk youth, literacy, the military, music, theatre, substance abuse and domestic violence, among so many others.
These charities have changed lives, all through the game of golf and the unwavering dedication, sacrifice and volunteer spirit of those in the game.
The PGA Tour operates on behalf of its member players and is managed by the PGA Tour Policy Board. Through its more-than-50-year history, the policy board has been made up of some of the brightest individuals in the world of business, finance, legal and entertainment, who volunteer their time and expertise as independent directors because of their love of the game and what it does for the charities involved. The policy board also includes four players, voted on by the membership. This governing board has done a masterful job helping the PGA Tour navigate through the ups and downs of the business climate since its inception. And we are extremely proud of and confident in the integrity and professionalism of our current policy board and player directors as they continue to take the tour to greater heights.
This generation is filled with players we admire and support as they continue to build upon the original architects of this fabulous organization while at the same time try to chase down the records and accomplishments of Jack, Arnold, Tom, Tiger, Gary, Byron, Ben and Lee.
Upon joining the PGA Tour, each player assigns their TV and media rights to the tour, which then allows the organization to pool those rights and secure lucrative TV contracts on behalf of the players. Subsequent marketing opportunities, golf club ownership, management and licensing agreements have helped generate additional dollars, which has led directly to the increase of purses over the years and continues to support the players through the incredible deferred compensation program.
In the world of sports today, there can be big money and huge opportunities available to the very best. Perspectives usually differ based on your individual situation and athletes have to do what’s best for them and their families on an individual basis.
We would like to say thank you to the thousands of tournament directors, organizing committees, pro-am participants and volunteers for their dedication as well as the incredible support of every sponsor we work with on the PGA Tour. And a special shout-out and thank you goes to the amazing fans and spectators who support us at each tour stop and through the increasing array of media outlets. It’s been said before but needs to be said again – we couldn’t do it without all of you.
In addition, we value the many relationships we have developed through the wonderful game of golf. And we appreciate and celebrate the commitment shown by our policy board, players, tournament directors, sponsors, media partners, volunteers, pro-am partners and spectators involved with each event in which we have the honor to compete.
Thousands of players have competed on the PGA Tour these past 50-plus years which has enabled us to pursue our dream of competition in hopes of fame and fortune. Some have accomplished their goals. Others have not. But I’m sure most would cherish and appreciate their time on tour and feel grateful for that opportunity to compete.
This generation is filled with players we admire and support as they continue to build upon the original architects of this fabulous organization while at the same time try to chase down the records and accomplishments of Jack, Arnold, Tom, Tiger, Gary, Byron, Ben and Lee. That’s what competition is all about and what the PGA Tour is all about.
We are extremely proud to have been a part of the PGA Tour for so many years and incredibly grateful to have been able to chase our dreams. We look forward to working with and helping this talented group of current players should they ever need any help.
Ed. note: Jay Haas served twice on the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council, was PAC chairman in 1996 and player director 1997-99; he served on the PAC of PGA Tour Champions eight times, including chairman five times and player director twice. Peter Jacobsen served on the PGA Tour’s PAC three times and PGA Tour Champions’ PAC six times, four times as player director. Tom Lehman served on the PGA Tour’s PAC five times, including player director from 2001-03, and six times on PGA Tour Champions’ PAC.