The PGA Tour is set to kick off its television schedule this week on CBS, beginning at Torrey Pines for the first of 19 tournaments. The tour’s efforts have received a notable endorsement from Justin Thomas, who has taken on a more active role within the organization.
Approximately a year ago, Thomas was reluctant to engage in tour policies, opting instead for others to take the lead. He has since become an active member of the Player Advisory Council (PAC), currently in his second year, and has encouraged fellow players to collaborate more closely with broadcast partners to enhance the viewing experience.
In a memo addressed to his peers, Thomas acknowledged the dedicated audience that tunes in weekly but noted that, at times, the sport can feel detached. “The more I think about it, the more I feel us giving more access and insight can make a WORLD of difference,” he explained. He has particularly recommended interviews being conducted before or during rounds, highlighting a successful walk-and-talk format pioneered by CBS with Max Homa two years prior.
As part of a subcommittee last year focused on tournaments, fans, and sponsors, Thomas collaborated with notable players like Homa, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Schenk. Sellers Shy, CBS’s head golf producer, praised Thomas for encouraging players to become more accessible, while veteran announcer Jim Nantz suggested amplifying the walk-and-talk format to allow players’ personalities to shine through.
Thomas, who once hesitated to participate in such interactions during his play, noted in the memo the importance of being open to new ideas without compromising performance. He indicated that he is not pushing anyone to alter their routines but is merely inviting them to embrace new opportunities.
On the financial front, Thomas recently finished as the runner-up at The American Express, earning $959,200, which places him among the few players in PGA Tour history to exceed career earnings of $60 million. This increase in prize money is likely to see others such as Hideki Matsuyama and Xander Schauffele reach that landmark soon.
For perspective, upon Thomas’s entry to the tour in the 2014-15 season, Tiger Woods dominated the career earnings list with nearly $121 million, and Phil Mickelson trailed him with around $96.6 million. As of now, Mickelson’s earning opportunities have largely decreased as he participates with the LIV Golf series.
A decade ago, the next top earners included athletes like Vijay Singh and Jim Furyk, with only a few remaining in the top tier today. The current top newcomers include Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, and Scottie Scheffler, with Thomas currently positioned at twelfth place in career earnings.
In other noteworthy developments, Lydia Ko, a prominent golfer, may finally get to participate in the LPGA’s inventive team event, the International Crown. This tournament, which takes place every two years, had previously sidelined Ko due to ranking criteria; however, changes are being made to include her and potentially other players like Gaby Lopez. The event will occur from October 23-26 at the New Korea Country Club.
Meanwhile, college golfers Luke Clanton of Florida State and Auburn’s Jackson Koivun are competing at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open. Both have a chance to obtain a PGA Tour card but need to earn additional points through performance in the tournament. They currently hold 17 points in the PGA Tour University Accelerated program, with specific opportunities available for noteworthy finishes.
Delta Air Lines has announced it will expand its service to Augusta Regional Airport for the Masters Week, with increased flight capacity and additional daily flights from various hubs, enhancing accessibility for attendees.
In other golf-related news, Tiger Woods has renewed his partnership with Bridgestone for golf balls, while Taylor Moore made headlines after tying for seventh at The American Express, achieving a rare feat of finishing a 72-hole PGA Tour event without a bogey and still not winning.
Additionally, Mitsubishi Electric is extending its title sponsorship for the PGA Tour Champions season opener in Hawaii, and Lewine Mair has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Journalism from the PGA of America.
Ernie Els has made history by winning on four different Hawaiian islands, showcasing his versatility and skill throughout the region.
In closing, Scottie Scheffler shared a humorous reflection on his recovery from a recent injury, stating, “Sometimes you don’t realize how uncoordinated you are until you try brushing your teeth left-handed.”
