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Golf Writers Differ On Feelings Toward PGA Tour's Wraparound Schedule Format

The PGA Tour's wraparound scedule is in its second season, with the second event of the '14-15 season teeing off tomorrow from Las Vegas. GOLF.com's weekly roundtable discussed the wraparound schedule, with SI's Jeff Ritter saying it is "almost comical that a new season just started." Ritter: "Casual fans don't get it and it's hard to blame them. I understand the Tour created the wraparound calendar to hold onto sponsors for the fall events, but it seems like there had to be a better way to do it." However, Golf.com's Eamon Lynch said, "There is no obligation on players to tee it up in these early events, as most of the stars will demonstrate. ... These fall tournaments offer the lower orders a chance to get a head start on the race to keep cards and earn exemptions." Golf magazine's Josh Sens: "From a fans' perspective, there are plenty of valid reasons to gripe about the wraparound season, the soporific events and diminishing return of an uninterrupted schedule among them" (GOLF.com, 10/12). ESPN.com's golf writers also conducted a roundtable and discussed the wraparound schedule. Michael Collins said two fall tourneys in Malaysia and China, "If the PGA Tour is a 'global' entity, and they insist on a wrap-around season, then it makes sense for these events to take place this time of year." Farrell Evans added, "The Far East swing is great. It's a global game and the various tours should reflect that worldwide reach. The PGA Tour is under no threat of losing its base in the United States." Bob Harig said, "The PGA Tour is wise to dip into some foreign areas, especially at a time of year when the tour is not getting much attention domestically anyway. In fact, the tour might look to expand this part of the schedule, while cutting back or moving the domestic events." Finally, Kevin Maguire said, "Follow the money. That's mainly what they are doing (with a little 'grow the game in Asia' mixed in)" (ESPN.com, 10/13).

MONEY TALKS: GOLF.com's weekly roundtable also discussed the fact that 97 players earned more than $1M in '13-14 and what that means for the Tour. Golf magazine's Joe Passov: "Give [PGA Tour Commissioner] Tim Finchem and his team a whole bunch of credit. In the mostly down economy from 2008 to 2012, and in the slightly better one the past two years, he kept sponsors engaged and prize money flowing. The overflow of millionaires is due to the health of the Tour." But Golf.com's Lynch added, "Winless mediocrity on Tour is sufficient to pay for a lavish lifestyle. Maybe the Tour should change its slogan to 'These Guys Are Good, Not That They Have To Be.'" SI's Michael Bamberger: "It is proof that Finchem knows what he is doing, and what he needs to do to keep his job." Golf magazine's Sens added, "There's no doubt that the talent pool in pro golf is wider and deeper than ever. There's also no doubt that many of the players in that pond are grossly overpaid." SI's Ritter: "Outrageous prize money is a sign that PGA Tour golf is thriving -- but the wraparound schedule still stinks" (GOLF.com, 10/12).

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