“Does the benefit of funding illustrate genuine and historic change? Are they willing to represent that for compensation?” It’s up to the players to decide if that is authentic,” said Wade, who formerly headed up communications for CBS Sports. “As a PR strategy, Saudi Arabia and LIV Golf may see value in pro-women messaging. However, they remain “underserved” as far as compensation and purse sizes. Women’s sports are seeing increased sponsorship due to important DEI messaging, said LeslieAnne Wade, co-founder of White Tee Partners consultancy.
“What we play for here compared to the men’s Tour, the scale is different,” she noted.Īs always in pro sports, it could come down to money. LPGA veteran Christie Kerr told Golfweek almost the entire women’s tour would consider a similar jump to Mickelson & Co. These athletes have been chronically underpaid vis-a-vis their male counterparts. LPGA tournaments only get a fraction of the media attention and coverage of PGA events. On the other hand, LIV might find LPGA players an easier sell. There’s sure to be female golfers who would resist Saudi Arabia’s attempt at sportswashing. Ditto for RBC with Johnson and Graeme McDowell. LPGA stars would also have to worry if their sponsors would come along with them to a new tour.Ĭiting its status as an official partner of the PGA Tour, Rocket Mortgage dumped DeChambeau as an endorser. Would they still be able to play in the major tournaments? So far, the United States Golf Association (USGA) and R&A have said LIV players can participate in the U.S. Or should they shun the new league due to Saudi Arabia’s history of human rights abuses - as well as its inferior treatment of women?īeyond the moral questions, LPGA stars would have to grapple with the same business/career issues that PGA defectors are currently experiencing. With the backing of Saudi Arabia’s oil-rich Public Investment Fund, LIV is reportedly paying Mickelson $200 million and another $100 million to DeChambeau. The Long Tail An alternative from the 50 rules, the long. This method proved to be very efficient, as it is simple to understand and fairly rewards performances. The second will then get 50 of the remaining money pool, 250. Should they go for the astronomical salaries and fatter purses offered by LIV? And is LIV even serious about women’s golf - or just trying to intimidate the LPGA? This method gives 50 of the prize money to the winner, 500.