Supposedly backed by a near-endless supply of Saudi money, and most definitely fueled by enormous amounts of hubris, the proposed Saudi (Super?) Golf League appears to be dead and buried.
While it is possible that some version of the tour may one day exist, the possibility of it reaching any relevant status has come and gone. In retrospect, that lofty goal was never realistically attainable.
The general idea certainly has some appeal. Golf’s elite players squaring off in limited field events 12 to 14 times a year for enormous sums of money…. What’s not to like for players, sponsors, and golf enthusiasts?
From the beginning, it was not the “what” that was the problem. It was the “who”.
The mere mention of Saudi Arabia gives pause to any rational and compassionate human. The list of grievances and atrocities against its own citizens and those of the world is overwhelming in both number and severity.
The fact that the United States continues to count Saudi Arabia among its allies is inexcusable. But I’m no student of world affairs, political, economic, or otherwise. It is a complicated world, no doubt.
This is what is not complicated: Many golfers have chosen to turn a blind eye and tee it up in Saudi Arabia for one reason – enormous sums of money. That is their right.
Thankfully, a large number of players have also chosen to stay away.
What was on the table with the SGL was not one tournament each year. It was a series of tournaments designed in large part to cover the Saudi’s many human rights violations with splashes of feel-good sports moments. The term has become knowns as sportswashing.
Not surprisingly, Greg Norman is largely involved in the SGL. He has long wanted to be the frontman of a world tour that would challenge the PGA Tour. He proposed such an entity in the early 1990s.
The PGA Tour would have none of it. They also took much of that idea and ran with it, creating the World Golf Championships. Norman has relished the opportunity to get even ever since. It’s understandable.
But Norman doesn’t have the money or the trust of the right people to make such a tour happen. He didn’t have it then and he doesn’t have it now.
So he aligned himself with a group that had the money to burn. Or they, the Saudis, aligned themselves with Norman.
Whatever the case, regardless of the amount of cash and ego on hand, the tour was doomed for one major reason. They simply couldn’t convince the right players to turn their backs on the PGA Tour for ridiculous amounts of guaranteed cash.
The young players on the PGA Tour squashed the SGL by having personal and competitive character.
“You could say that about so many countries, not just Saudi Arabia, but a lot of countries that we play in that there’s a reason not to go, but for me, I just don’t want to go,” said Rory McIlroy. “One hundred percent, there’s a morality to it as well. I think the atmosphere looks better at the events on the west coast [USA] and I’d much rather play in front of big golf fans and play in a tournament that really excites me.”
The quote above is from 2019, and is about his thoughts of going, or not going, to Saudi Arabia for just one tournament. If he’s not willing to go for one tournament, it is doubtful he would ever be interested in tying his entire career to them.
Especially not when the PGA Tour laid down the gauntlet with the threat of a lifetime ban for signing on with the SGL.
For some older players, the proposed money might have been too much to overlook. Lee Westwood called the decision a “no brainer.”
For Phil Mickelson, the SGL appears to have been an opportunity to affect change on the PGA Tour.
“They’re scary [expletives] to get involved with,” Mickelson reportedly said. “We know they killed [Washington Post reporter Jamal] Khashoggi and have a horrible record on human rights. They execute people over there for being gay. Knowing all of this, why would I even consider it? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reshape how the PGA Tour operates.
“They’ve been able to get by with manipulative, coercive, strong-arm tactics because we, the players, had no recourse. As nice a guy as [PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan] comes across as, unless you have leverage, he won’t do what’s right. And the Saudi money has finally given us that leverage. I’m not sure I even want [the Saudi golf league] to succeed, but just the idea of it is allowing us to get things done with the [PGA] Tour.”
But those comments have not gone over well with Phil’s fellow tour players.
“He’s done a lot of great things for the PGA Tour,” said Justin Thomas. “It’s a big reason it is where it is. But him and others that are very adamant about that, if they’re that passionate, go ahead. I don’t think anybody’s stopping them.”
“I don’t want to kick someone while he’s down, obviously,” added Rory McIlroy, “but I thought they were naïve, selfish, egotistical, ignorant.”
“It was just very surprising and disappointing. Sad. I’m sure he’s sitting at home sort of rethinking his position and where he goes from here.”
Whatever Mickelson’s actual motivations (and I for one am taking him at his word) he’s not sitting in the most comfortable position at the moment. Only time will tell how the whole ordeal might affect Phil’s legacy. There are several books that will come out this year that could further damage Lefty’s persona.
Reading Mickelson’s comments make one word come to mind – the same word that has come up when watching him attempt some wildly conceived golf shot. The word, of course, is “why?”.
As far as Norman is concerned, this is just par for the course. His business dealings have in many ways mirrored his playing career -flashes of brilliance, often accompanied by disastrous flameouts.
Here’s to hoping that the SGL falls into the latter category. Not because the PGA Tour is a perfect entity. That is not the case.
Saudi Arabia simply is not the answer. It never was and it never will be.
Scottie Scheffler Wins 2024 Masters; Cements Status as Game’s Top Player
Scottie Scheffler won his second Green Jacket in just three years with a final round masterclass Sunday at Augusta National. Scheffler carded an impressive 4-under 68 to finish the tournament a dominant 11-under par, a commanding four strokes clear of the chasing...
Cherokee Ridge: An Experience of Southern Hospitality and Championship Golf
Cherokee Ridge Country Club, nestled in Northern Alabama's rolling hills, is a golfer's paradise. It's a place where Southern hospitality meets championship-level golf, all meticulously crafted to create an unforgettable experience. The 18 impeccably designed holes...
Pinehurst Sandmines: Home to No. 10….and Much More
Pinehurst Resort is embarking on a new chapter with Pinehurst Sandmines, a 900-acre development anchored by the recently unveiled Pinehurst No. 10 course. But Sandmines is more than just a new golf course; it's a homage to the land's rich past and a glimpse into the...
Fore 22: Swinging Towards Healing and Hope
Fore 22 aims to be a beacon of hope and recovery in the heart of the golfing world, dedicated to the mental well-being of the heroes who have served and continue to serve: veterans and first responders. With each drive, chip, and shared story on the course, we uncover...
Jekyll Island Awaits Your Arrival
If you want an R & R destination in the Southeast that has everything that you could possibly want for a golf/vacation getaway, look no further than Jekyll Island, Georgia, located in the extreme southeastern corner of the Peach State. Here, you have ten miles of...
Southern Fairways Golf Tour Opens Season at Peninsula; Bozeman Takes Top Honors
The Southern Fairways Golf Tour kicked off the 2024 season with its first full-field event of the year at Peninsula Golf & Racquet Club in Gulf Shores, AL. 107 players from 4 states competed in five flights. The tournament was Presented By Coca-Cola. Reeves...
Tiger Point Golf Club Clinics – Ladies Only on Mondays, All Players on Saturdays
PGA Professional Rick Wolf will be conducting clinics at Tiger Point Golf Club. Ladies Only Clinics will begin on Monday, February 26th. Clinics for all adults, and juniors age 16 and up will start this Saturday, February 24th. See the schedule below for more...
Tee Off at Tamahka Trails: A Championship Golf Oasis at Paragon Casino Resort
Nestled amidst the rolling hills and lush landscapes of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, lies Tamahka Trails Golf Club, a golfer's paradise offering a championship layout in a scenic and relaxing environment. This 230-acre masterpiece, designed by award-winning architect...
Potato Soup Recipe
A warm bowl of potato soup is a welcome remedy for those chilly winter days. This particular recipe is creamy and cheesy and features a healthy dose of bacon. INGREDIENTS 4 large russet potatoes, equal to 2 lbs.¾ teaspoon salt6 slices thick cut bacon1 large yellow...
Rocket City Open Presented by Southern Fairways at Cherokee Ridge Golf Club
Cherokee Ridge Country Club, one of the premier golf courses in North Alabama presents the 2024 Rocket City Open presented by Southern Fairways. This event will be held Saturday & Sunday April 27-28, 2024, and will showcase 120 golf amateurs and professionals...
Bushnell Wingman View: Is this Golf’s Best GPS Speaker?
Enhance your golfing experience with the Bushnell Wingman View – a sleek Bluetooth speaker and GPS device built to the exacting standards you've come to expect from Bushnell. Packed with features that combine technology with convenience, this Bluetooth speaker and GPS...
Destination Daytona!
Daytona Beach is widely known for its sun-soaked beaches and the adrenaline-pumping excitement of its world-renowned speedway. However, tucked away within this lively coastal region lies a treasure trove for golf enthusiasts. With a selection of superb courses, each...