Interesting discussion re: BK. The model is updating pretty aggressively on him, but still not enough (at least in the outright markets and at the soft books—but Betcris is as low, or lower, on Koepka as we are).
What did the Players feel like to you guys watching at home relative to a major? It delivered on Sunday on the back nine, but on site it felt a bit flat earlier in the week. At times we were wondering if the live blog was overkill given the (relative) lack of interest.
I agree and don’t think it felt like a Major. Which is fine, because it’s not. It’s not negative to not be a major …it’s still an awesome tournament. But look at Cam Young’s reaction when he won? and Fitz’s on the other side …Now imagine the same setup at the US Open or Masters …pretty sure both reactions would have been amplified. So yeah, not a major, doesn’t really feel like a major but it still has more pull than a normal PGA event. I love the Players it’s a great tournament.
Also, pretty much all week we had great names at the top which was nice. Top guns in the mix from round 1, great front 9 by Ludvig round 2, Scheffler and Rory battling to make the cut, decent shuffling round 3, last pairing collapsing round 4… I love that Cam Young won by hitting 2 great shots at 2 critical/famous spots. Hit it close to the pin on 17 and hit the best tee shot ever at 18? Here’s the trophy you deserved it. Was a nice ending.
Sudarshan is an amazing story and life changing 36 holes for him on the weekend.
Not a major but a great week.
As for the live blog, didn’t get the chance to follow on sunday but I did the first 3 days and it’s always fun. I can read it while the coverage is not showing shots or during ad breaks or whatever. It’s a nice add to my golf viewing experience, on top of the betting side.
Also, without the Live Blog I would have missed the start of the 2nd round in Singapore. Hadn’t seen LIV had changed the tee times.
I think those saying The PLAYERS (let’s get the capitalization correct guys) is not a major and that’s okay – have it right.
It is the PGA Tour’s #1 event, and the 5th most important event in golf. I think the uniqueness of being the top non-major event actually makes it stand out more. If it’s considered a major, it is on par with the PGA Championship. Alright, cool? What have we accomplished by making that designation?
It’s spot in the golf calendar as the premium event in the lead-up to The Masters is perfect. TPC Sawgrass is an awesome tournament venue, and I was a big fan of the setup changes this year – rough up, firm and fast.
Just let the tournament be what it is.
I echo what both @samdanc and @trmooney8 have said, silly to make it a Major and self-defeating to try. To cornily quote Tywin Lannister: ‘any man who has to say ‘I am The King’ is not a true King’.
The event’s strengths imo are the course, its standing as THE ‘elevated’ PGA event, and its current place in the calendar. The course is perfect as a showcase PGA course but it could slip into gimmicky as a ‘Major’ course (I would love it as a Ryder Cup venue). It would trade in its standing if it became a Major and I actually would contest it would still be below the PGA in importance.
I’d also add another point: I think a fourth ‘Major’ in the US would be a misstep even if it ‘makes sense’ commercially. To pass up on South Africa or Australia would imo be playing into LIVs hands. I’m not saying I want a Major in those countries but I’d absolutely prefer it to another US one.
Preaching to the converted but always find the live blog very insightful and don’t think it is overkill for the PLAYERS all caps. I would note that you guys being on site I think helped your projections! Couple other spots projected it as playing easier than it did Thu/Sun.
Clearly should have persevered despite following this by losing 6 strokes off the tee on Friday.