THREE OFF THE TEE

Joe Ogilvie’s Open Letter – A Critical Crossroads for the PGA Tour

Joe Ogilvie, a seasoned former PGA Tour professional, recently shared a thought-provoking open letter to the current members of the PGA Tour on X (Twitter) the other day. You can see the full set of posts on his X account here. Ogilvie’s letter, which he distributed via X (Twitter), got like’s from both Phil Mickelson and Brandel Chamblee. When have we ever seen those two agree (indirectly) on something?!

Ogilvie reminisces about the era when Tiger Woods lifted the sport to new heights, and how those glory days solidified the PGA Tour’s unparalleled status. The American golf scene thrived as tournaments were primarily held within three time zones, the courses were second to none, and the fans’ enthusiasm was unmatched. Fast forward to today, and many of those conditions hold true, with the added evolution of sports becoming a staple for live streaming—a development that has significantly amplified the value of sports TV and digital rights.

As the world’s largest economy, the U.S. continues to be a fertile ground for golf, now with a fresh wave of youthful talent pushing the boundaries of the game. However, the financial “tsunami” that Ogilvie mentions—triggered by the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) $2 billion infusion into professional golf and the creation of LIV Golf—poses a pivotal moment for the PGA Tour.

In his letter, Ogilvie delves into the intricacies of the Tour’s potential division into two entities: a for-profit ‘PGA Tour Enterprises’ and a not-for-profit ‘PGA Tour, Inc.’ He outlines the immense value encapsulated within the Tour’s assets, something that has drawn keen interest from the Saudi PIF and various private equity proposals. The allure of owning a part of this storied institution, akin to owning a franchise in other major sports leagues, highlights the financial viability and the grand scale of the opportunity at hand.

Ogilvie cautions, however, that with such investments come pivotal decisions about governance and control. He underscores the importance of the PGA Tour maintaining its autonomy and ensuring that any new partners align with the core values and long-term interests of the sport. The governance structure must prioritize the players’ control and uphold the PGA Tour’s traditions and culture.

The essence of Ogilvie’s message lies in the significance of getting the governance right. As the Tour stands on the cusp of potentially transformative deals, it’s imperative, according to Ogilvie, that the interests of the players—who have earned their stripes and represent the top fraction of golfers worldwide—are safeguarded. He calls for a strategic approach to any partnership that reinforces the Tour’s position as the preeminent stage for professional golfers.

Joe Ogilvie’s open letter is a clarion call for the PGA Tour members to heed the lessons of the past, the realities of the present, and the promise of the future. As the sport of golf navigates these lucrative but complex waters, the decisions made now will indelibly shape the legacy and the journey of the next generation of golfers. With the right foresight and respect for tradition, Ogilvie believes the PGA Tour can continue to be a beacon of excellence in the sports world.