New golf event needed for players next season
Starting with the 2016-17 campaign, US PGA Tour players will have to add at least one new event to their schedules each season, according to a new policy.
The rule was approved last week by the tour policy board and players were notified this week of the change, aimed at having top players in different markets.
The "new" event must be one that a player has not competed in over the prior four years. Golfers who played in 25 or more events in the current or prior season would be exempt from the rule as would those members age 45 and older or with lifetime tour status, 20 wins and 15 seasons on tour.
"Depending on how many you're playing, you do move your schedule around a little bit," US PGA commissioner Tim Finchem said.
"You'll find some players who don't like it, but generally speaking the players are understanding of it and supportive of it. It's a little bit more balance field-wise with sponsors, but also it really helps in the markets that we play in to have some of these faces be there at some point.
"If you're a fan at a tournament for 12 years, it's great if one of those years you saw Jordan Spieth play, or whatever player."
Major championships, World Golf Championship events, the Players Championship, the PGA playoff events, Olympics and Ryder and Presidents Cups do not count toward the requirement.
Former world number one Tiger Woods playing in Greensboro resulted in nearly 50,000 more tickets being printed when he decided to play, showing the impact star power can have upon a tournament.
Failing to comply with the rule would result in a "major penalty," believed to be a hefty fine or suspension. - AFP