USPGT Undergoes Changes To Staff, Schedule And Sponsors

After U.S. Pro Golf Tour (USPGT) Commissioner Phil Bough resigned December 26, Trump Golf Properties withdrew from “what was to have been a five-year partnership, citing concerns about the change in USPGT management,” according to GOLFWEEK. Global Media Fund also has “reduced its sponsorship commitment” to the tour. The USPGT initially “promised a 22-event schedule” for ’07 with purses totaling $16.3M, but has announced a “scaled-back” version that “falls far shy of its original vision,” and has canceled the Florida regional tour “because of lack of interest.” Bill Conwell, acting President & CEO of Greens Worldwide, the parent company of USPGT, said that the schedule has been “pared to 10 events with $300,000 purses” (GOLFWEEK, 1/13 issue). A GOLFWEEK editorial states, “The USPGT appears doomed to fail under the weight of its own ambition.” USPGT Founder Tom Kidd “banked on TV exposure to reel in sponsors that wanted to be associated with grass-roots golf. But he couldn’t deliver because advertisers also want eyeballs, and there’s never been much demand for Double A golf. ... Kidd also miscalculated the number of mini-tour players who might be willing to buy into his concept” (GOLFWEEK, 1/13 issue).