⛳ PGAs $3 Billion Deal, Justin Rose on Why He Stayed, and More.
Welcome back to the Baller Golf newsletter.
Finally, we have some big business news from the PGA
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Section 1: The Tee Off - Key stories from the world of golf.
Justin Rose reveals why he stayed with the PGA. Following his round at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro Am, Rose detailed speaking with the Saudi-backed circuit and why he ultimately decided to remain with the Tour.
“For me it was always I could never get comfortable with the giving up on the childhood dreams of the majors and I just couldn’t see that changing anytime soon,” Rose said. “I was in a position, a situation where I was having to earn my way into them so I didn’t have those long-term exemptions to buffer it.”
Bryson DeChambeau: PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger needed to bring golf 'back together'. On Wednesday, the PGA Tour said that while talks have progressed, no deal has yet been finalised.
"We're just going to continue down our own roads and how it all integrates and comes together is something to be seen," said American DeChambeau, 30, who joined LIV last summer.
"I hope at some point we'll come back together. It needs to happen. I hope people can just put down their weapons and come to the table and figure it out.”
Joaquin Niemann Fires Historic 59 In First Round Of LIV Golf's New Season
Niemann carded an eagle and ten birdies in an incredible bogey-free round of golf, becoming just the second player to card a sub-60 round on LIV since Bryson DeCheambeu's ground-breaking 58 at LIV Greenbrier last year.
Section 2: The Business of Golf - Business news from the golf industry.
PGA Tour: $3 billion deal with Fenway-led investment group SSG.
The PGA Tour has entered into a significant partnership with Strategic Sports Group (SSG), with an investment totalling $3 billion. This collaboration establishes PGA Tour Enterprises, wherein players will have access to over $1.5 billion as equity owners.
The formation of PGA Tour Enterprises, featuring SSG as a minority partner, follows the PGA Tour's previous agreement with the backers of LIV Golf, a venture that attracted interest from private equity groups.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan confirmed the finalized deal in a conference call with players. The partnership with SSG aims to bolster the organization's efforts in making golf more rewarding for all stakeholders, including players, tournaments, fans, and partners.
“By making PGA Tour members owners of their league, we strengthen the collective investment of our players in the success of the PGA Tour,” Monahan, said in the formal announcement.
Under this unique equity program, approximately 200 players will receive initial grants, with recurring grants planned for future players starting next year. While specific details regarding the equity ownership program are yet to be disclosed, the initial grants will be allocated based on various factors such as career achievements, recent performances, and PGA Tour status, with the grants vesting over time.
SSG, led by Fenway Sports Group, includes notable sports franchise owners such as Marc Attanasio (Milwaukee Brewers), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons), Steven Cohen (New York Mets), and others. Their investment of $1.5 billion into PGA Tour Enterprises will focus on maximizing revenue for players and advancing golf globally, with an additional $1.5 billion allocated to PGA Tour business.
The PGA Tour board, including prominent players like Tiger Woods, Patrick Cantlay, and Jordan Spieth, unanimously approved the deal. The players expressed their excitement about being more financially and strategically invested in the organization, emphasizing their commitment to delivering excellence in golf.
Negotiations with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are ongoing, with potential investments and agreements being discussed. The partnership with SSG does not preclude investment from PIF, subject to necessary approvals.
Meanwhile, the European Tour, which has a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour, is exploring opportunities for collaboration. The original deal also aimed to resolve disputes related to LIV Golf, a rival league that attracted significant players such as Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson.
As negotiations progress, both the PGA Tour and its partners are optimistic about the future of golf and the opportunities this collaboration will bring for players, fans, and the sport.
Quick Poll
Section 3: Upgrade Your Bag - The latest equipment to elevate your game.
Shot Scope Pro L2 Rangefinder Review
Quick review
The Shot Scope L2 delivers dependable yardages on the course without fail. Its blend of zoom capabilities and target-lock vibration simplifies flag pinpointing, ensuring an effortless experience. Moreover, the slope-adjustment feature compensates for shots played on varied elevations, enhancing accuracy and performance.
I recently took possession of the Shot Scope Pro L2 and have been using it on 2 rounds in the UK over the past two weekends. I have beaten my best score on both occasions.
I must admit, I usually just rely on guessing yardages from yardage posts or someone yelling their yardage so I can try to calculate mine. Therefore, I think we can put a lot of the score beating down to me knowing how far I’m actually hitting the ball for once, and I’ve been playing pretty regularly in recent months. However, I must say, this is a great piece of kit to add to your bag.
Upon first handling the Pro L2, I was struck by its lightness. Admittedly, it lacks the premium aesthetic of some competitors but it delivers in performance.
The Pro L2 surpassed all expectations. It swiftly locks onto targets, which I’m told is a vast improvement over its predecessor, the Pro L1. When toggling on the slope feature, it provides both actual and adjusted yardages, clearly indicated by a green indicator light and accompanying symbols.
With the six-times zoom and target-lock vibration of the Pro L2, obtaining accurate distances is a breeze. Capable of registering targets up to 700 yards away, it even boasts a built-in magnet for easy attachment to cart frames, catering to golfers who prefer riding.
In terms of affordability, the Pro L2 offers exceptional value compared to its pricier competitors. With its performance and cost-effectiveness, the Shot Scope Pro L2 proves itself as a worthy tool for any golfer seeking to improve their game.
Check out the Pro L2 and other Shot Scope products here
That’s all for now. I’d love to hear your comments either below or you can reach out on X/Twitter
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