The new kid on the professional golf block LIV GOLF came to Orange County National the end of March, so I took a first hand look on Friday. The PGA has been on full anti-LIV propoganda the past year with their paid mouthpieces Rory, Tiger, Justin, Freddie, etc. For those who aren't aware what the PGA PIP program is all about, there is a $60,000,000 fund which they now arbitrarily distribute at years end to those members who best promote the PGA. No surprise that top 2022 PIP money last year went to Tiger at $15 million, Rory at $12 million, and Justin at $7.5 million. You now see why these guys are constantly on attack against LIV??
For those old enough to remember the AFL (1960-1970) and the ABA (1967-1976) who also challanged the established leagues, I don't recall all the animosity and hate that I'm seeing now. Both of them went out and paid huge sums for star players like Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Dr. J, Spencer Haywood, Moses Malone, David Thompson and hundreds of others. The new teams were funded by many successful entrepreneurs who offered the current players a different way of doing business. If the PGA had listened to player concerns and made the changes that LIV offered there would be no controvery. One year later the PGA has now upped some of their payouts to $20 million, have limited field, no cut events, just like LIV.
The recent Masters event proved the PGA propoganda machine wrong again in their accusations that LIV players wouldn't be competitive because of their limited schedule, only playing 54 holes no cut events, and wearing shorts. At the end of Masters week LIV took 3 of the top 4 spots and The Big Three PIP mouthpieces were at home watching from their couches. Rory was so despondent from another Masters failure that he didn't even show up for the following weeks designated event at Hilton Head, which may cost him several $$million in fines. Unfortunately, until the LIV players are awarded world points for their own events you will see fewer of them playing head to head in the future majors. Hopefully, if the PGA comes to their senses we will see a new Ryder Cup type event between the two groups just like the NFL and AFL did with the early Super Bowls.
As you can see from the photo's I took below, you can really get up close and interact with all the players. Music provided all over the course with an overabundance of staff made for a most enjoyable day. I loved the shotgun start that took no longer than 5 hours for everyone to be finished. The $5 million team event really did add to the exciting finish won by Brooks Koepka. I really see the younger golfers being much more drawn to LIV than the stodgy PGA. If LIV comes near you surely give it a try.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ESnTFmB5bxFtXtUW6 Please paste and copy photos. Go to SLIDESHOWS to view the Crooked Cat Course.
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