by Hello! We hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. It’s always nice to eat way too much turkey and pass out at 8 p.m. Shall we talk golf?
Do you want to form an alliance with me?
Last Friday, the PGA Tour and the European Tour announced that they had formed a “Strategic Alliance.” We’re surprised they capitalized only the “S” and the “A.”
From the press release: “The landmark agreement will see golf’s two major Tours explore all facets of collaboration, working together on strategic commercial opportunities including collaborating on global media rights in certain territories…. The Tours will also work in partnership on a number of other areas including global scheduling, prize funds and playing opportunities for the respective memberships.”
This appears to be a big deal, but the details of the “Strategic Alliance” are murky at best. Here’s what we know for sure: PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will have a seat on the European Tour Board, the PGA Tour will acquire a minority stake in European Tour media production, and the two parties will work closely on scheduling.
As far as we can see, two main questions remain unanswered:
First, is there going to be an effort to entice PGA Tour players to play in more European Tour events? According to Eamon Lynch’s report for Golfweek, certain Euro events may start offering FedEx Cup points, but that doesn’t seem likely to convince huge numbers of U.S.-based players to travel out of their way. Besides, the PGA Tour has little incentive to push its members to split time between the tours.
Second, is this partnership part of an attempt to stave off the Premier Golf League? The answer here is clearer. The upstart PGL was—again, according to Lynch’s article—courting the European Tour earlier this year. Obviously this potential marriage between the well-funded PGL and the world’s second most popular men’s tour got Jay Monahan’s attention, and he acted decisively.
We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.
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The Match Vol. 3
On Friday afternoon, Phil Mickelson played a casual match at the Stone Canyon Club with Charles Barkley, Peyton Manning, and Steph Curry. It was called Capital One’s The Match: Champions for Change, and it was televised. Partners Mickelson and Barkley came into the event as the betting underdogs, but Chuck had a surprisingly hitch-free swing, and Mickelson… well, he’s a freaking PGA Tour pro. The pair cruised to a 4&3 victory over Manning and Curry.
Overall, it was a laid-back and entertaining TV product on a day when there wasn’t much else to watch. Andre Iguodala, Shaquille O’Neal, and a few other guests helped fill the dead air, over $5 million was raised for historically Black colleges and universities, and over three million meals were donated through Feeding America. If The Match continues to be a Thanksgiving tradition, we’re all for it.
Quick Hooks
On the European Tour, Christiaan Bezuidenhout won the Alfred Dunhill Championship. The victory, his second in 2020, moves him to 41st in the Official World Golf Ranking. Sean Crocker (T-2), Robert MacIntyre (T-6), and Adri Arnaus (T-6) finished in the top 10. Alfred Dunhill Championship Results
After his post-Masters-win adventures in the Caribbean, Dustin Johnson withdrew from the Mayakoba Golf Classic. We’re less than surprised.
The PGA Tour Champions released their 2021 schedule.
The Latest from The Fried Egg
Andy and Brendan have two new Shotgun Start episodes waiting for you! They released a short one on Sunday to discuss the PGA/Euro strategic alliance, the Match 3, and other tidbits from the weekend. Monday’s episode is a Spotlight on the legendary Mac O’Grady. Listen to both on iTunes, Stitcher, and Spotify.
Pro Shop
Our Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale ends today at midnight! Save 20% on all Fried Egg and Shotgun merchandise, including photography prints. New product highlights include the Shotgun Start belt, the classic Fried Egg Sport polo, and the Fried Egg tumbler. Shop our full collection today!
