In Jacksonville, Garry Smits wrote leaders of golf's governing bodies now "appear emboldened enough to schedule tournaments opposite an event" where Tiger Woods is playing, which is "what is happening" with the new WGC event in South Africa. It appears as if that new event will occur "on the same week as the Chevron World Challenge, an offseason invitational event Woods hosts." Sunshine Tour Commissioner Gareth Tindall said, "They (the Chevron World Challenge) will have to move it. They moved the Chevron to the same date as the Nedbank Golf Challenge (one of the most lucrative South African events) without any consultation, so I suppose it's a bit of payback time" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 4/14).
MINOR PRICE INCREASES: Minor League Baseball said its average cost for a family of four to attend a game this year is $59.77, up 9.6% from '09 and up 20.2% from '07. The cost is tabulated to include two adult tickets, two child tickets, four hot dogs, two beers, two soft drinks, a program and parking. Even with the increases, above the general U.S. inflation rate for the time periods in question, MiLB officials praised the affiliated clubs' commitment to affordability, particularly in relation to other entertainment options. "In this day and age to entertain an entire family at these prices, in the quality stadiums in which we play, is a true value," said MiLB President & CEO Pat O'Conner in a statement. A single adult ticket is $8 or less at nearly 80% of MiLB stadiums this year (Eric Fisher, SportsBusiness Journal).
DRIVING ME MAD: Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo "has threatened to withdraw Formula One's biggest team from the circuit unless the sport changes direction." In an interview with German magazine AutoBild, Di Montezemolo said F1 has become "too artificial." He added, "A steering wheel is now a computer covered in buttons and the fans no longer understand" (AP, 4/15).
