Why are events both pro and am? Does anyone think it would help thje sport if big events, like say the Memorial or others where Pro only with the AM counterparts happening on different weekends? This would draw an actual gallery for the Large Pro events. As it stands many of the people that would go watch a big pro event are playing in the am events at the same time. I've seen how some final 9s have huge galleries. This would make for, in my opinion, more credibility it a newspaper or tv station saw that a hundred or more people where out watching an event.

At The Memorial, I would guess all of those Ams who flew in the prior weekend to play would be watching the Pro Final 9 on the internet instead of in person though.

it'd be worth it if it meant we had bigger Pro Only events.

fairway spectators are only gonna take DG so far, especially since 99% of our courses are on public parks and not designed as spectator venues.

Not as many Ams would travel to watch the Pros as you think.

Plus splitting weekends means twice the work for volunteers in a diminishing volunteer environment.

The sport isnt ready for big spectator events. DGTV and other streaming videos are where "audiences" are watching.

What I think might work is hosting an event something like the Clash DVDs with four of the top 10 players. Charge admission for $5 which includes a mini or $15 with the DVD being included in the higher priced ticket to be delivered later. This would mean there's a chance you would get on the DVD in a crowd shot. Do it in a major metro area with a base of players. Line up some sponsors for the players just like a regular NT.

What I think might work is hosting an event something like the Clash DVDs with four of the top 10 players. Charge admission for $5 which includes a mini or $15 with the DVD being included in the higher priced ticket to be delivered later. This would mean there's a chance you would get on the DVD in a crowd shot. Do it in a major metro area with a base of players. Line up some sponsors for the players just like a regular NT.



like your idea Chuck... and why not plan something like that for a weekday while they are already in town to play a tourney that weekend (clash was done on a Tuesday I believe... and actually it seemed odd but they kept it hush hush and almost nobody was there to watch... would liked to have known and seen it publicized)

It might be difficult to raise enough sponsor money to support both an event like this and a tournament.

Now, consider the possibility of a big amateur event with two rounds on Saturday and one on Sunday morning. All women and older pros play at those times also but no added cash. On Saturday, have a play-in qualifier ($25) like what happened yesterday at the USDGC with one spot going to the winner to play with the other three top pros (or possibly two spots) and include the DVD as part of the play-in fee. Master and women pros have to decide whether to play for the play-in spot or in the 3-round event. Tiebreaker 9 holes on Sunday morning if needed. Last cash among the four ($100) is worth more than the play-in fee ($25).

The three top pros do a clinic on Friday perhaps with one or two other pros and they can practice on Saturday during the play-in rounds. Sunday afternoon is the big event for spectators and it could be 18 and 9 instead of just 18. Perhaps the final 9 holes would be a separate doubles event with the top and fourth player in singles teamed against 2 and 3 to spread the added money around a little more. (The four playing in the feature have no entry fee.)

Nice idea Chuck! All amateurs would love an opportunity to play a tournament like this.

An awesome venue to put just such a tournament at could be a sweet golf course, such asw the Willowbrook Golf Course in Byron, MI! We are getting ready to hold our Byron Big D Doubles tournament there on Oct 27th and 28th.

Chuck,

You are right on and i'd love to see this happen. I caught wind about another Billy Crump production at Madison, WI after pro worlds. The drive is 2.5 hrs from Chicago. I would have made the drive if the wife would have let me. Being gone for 2 weeks at am & pro worlds didn't help. I would have paid $10 to $20 to watch.

Our club has checked into getting some top players to put on a clinic.We were willing to pay $250 to $300 for an hour clinic. We've had no takers to date.