Is Professional Golf Thriving or at a Crisis Point?
Golf finds itself at a historic turning point. Some see the sport booming—record prize money, expanding global reach, and fresh innovations. Others point to deep divisions, declining TV ratings, and controversial funding sources as signs of instability.
So, is golf truly thriving, or is it teetering on the edge?
The Upside: Golf’s Growing Success
Record Prize Money & Global Expansion
Massive earnings for players across tours:
- Adrian Meronk pocketed $4M for winning LIV Golf’s season opener in Riyadh.
- Tom McKibbin earned $1M+ in individual & team prizes.
- Thomas Detry won $1.67M at the Phoenix Open.
- Haotong Li’s £341,000 win in Qatar brings him closer to PGA Tour access.
LIV’s continued growth, fueled by Saudi-backed investments, has created a competitive tension that has pushed prize pools to new heights.
Golf on Free-to-Air TV Again
LIV secures a major upgrade with new Fox Sports (US) and ITV (UK) deals, bringing golf back to a mainstream audience.
Innovation & New Audiences
The game is evolving:
- Tiger Woods & Rory McIlroy’s TGL simulator tour aims to modernize golf for younger fans.
- Netflix’s “Full Swing” docu-series continues to draw casual viewers into the sport.
- More influencers & social media growth bring new followers to the game.
The Majors Have Never Been Bigger
The Masters, US Open, PGA Championship & Open Championship remain the ultimate battlegrounds, showcasing the best of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf.
With Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy facing off against Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka, the 2024 majors promise to be must-watch events.
The Downside: Divisions, Declining TV Ratings & Controversial Funding
The Split Remains: PGA vs. LIV
⚔ Golf remains divided: The PGA Tour & DP World Tour vs. LIV Golf. The sport’s best players only face off in the four majors, limiting year-round drama.
2️⃣ TV Ratings & Viewer Fatigue
Will people actually watch?
- LIV’s Fox Sports deal is an improvement, but will mainstream fans tune in?
- Golf’s traditional TV audience is shrinking, particularly for the PGA Tour.
- Will the 2024 Ryder Cup lose its prestige now that American players are paid to represent their country?
The Saudi Influence: More Money, More Controversy
Saudi Arabia’s investment fuels golf’s financial boom, but human rights concerns continue to raise ethical questions.
The Death of Cinderella Stories?
Is golf losing its heartwarming narratives?
- The PGA Tour’s move to eliminate Monday qualifiers means fewer underdog stories like Will Chandler’s sixth-place finish at the Waste Management Open.
- Cara Gainer’s first LET win is a breakthrough, but her earnings pale in comparison to LIV’s male stars.
What’s Next for Golf? Boom or Bust?
Will Trump broker a unifying deal between the PGA & LIV?
Can LIV sustain its momentum, or will fan apathy set in?
Will the majors continue to carry the sport, or will year-round golf regain its spark?
