Tiger Woods beats Phil Mickelson in PIP initiative
Sorry, Phil — Tiger is likely to be out of the sport for now, however you’re nonetheless sitting at second greatest.
The outcomes of the PGA’s first ever Participant Impression Program have been launched right now, with Tiger Woods unsurprisingly within the high seat in what is basically a golf reputation contest (extra on that in a second), and Phil Mickelson within the place he has so usually discovered himself all through his profession — only one step behind Tiger. They’ll obtain $8 million and $6 million, respectively.
Rounding out the highest three is Rory McIlory, adopted by Jordan Spieth and Bryson DeChambeau, all of whom will obtain $3.5 million from this initiative.
Mickelson has discovered himself unexpectedly down for the depend within the public eye after a collection of anti-PGA missteps over the previous few weeks, and whereas this won’t precisely be newsworthy by itself, yet one more unlucky misstep from Lefty has made it so.
In December, Mickelson despatched out a tweet implying that he had already gained or was about to win the PIP. He clearly didn’t, and Tiger responded to the unique tweet right now in a simple however nonetheless hilarious dunk.
Woods has not performed a single skilled event this yr, although he did play within the PNC Championship together with his son Charlie. His affect on the game is plain and has been mentioned at such size that I’ll spare you the paragraph — although I wish to word that there was specific concentrate on his legacy following his life-changing harm this time final yr.
So whereas the PGA is clearly making an effort to financially appease its stars who, led by Mickelson, have vocalized some considerations and points with the affiliation, it’s actually gifting away cash to golfers for being in style, no matter whether or not they’ve hit a PGA ball this yr.
So what’s the PIP, in any case?
The PGA’s Participant Impression Program is a brand new initiative that “acknowledges and rewards gamers who positively transfer the needle” based mostly on five metrics: (1) Web searches for his or her title, (2) information articles on the participant, (3) a social media rating based mostly on attain and engagement, (4) TV sponsor publicity, and (5) common consciousness within the American inhabitants.
The calculations have been carried out by an impartial auditor, and $40 million was distributed to the ten hottest ladies in class — wait, sorry, skilled golfers, with out instantly making an allowance for their degree of play.
If golfers are frightened they’re not being compensated sufficient, this appears to be an fascinating response, somewhat than upping the sum of money in event purses. Nevertheless, veteran golfer Kevin Na introduced up a great level on Twitter right now — the extra in style the game, the more cash the entire athletes herald. The PGA appears to have had the identical thought — why not reward the fellows bringing within the income with just a little one thing further?
It’s been controversial from the beginning, because it principally measures the family name-ness of professional athletes. In fact, that is largely based mostly on the golfers’ talent over time, which will get them on leaderboards as their names change into recognizable they usually carry in additional followers as they maintain profitable. However fairly frankly, Tiger goes to be profitable this one for the following decade until one other Tiger comes alongside.
And perhaps that’s the way it ought to be. As Brooks Koepka said when information of the initiative first got here out, “Tiger ought to be No. 1 on that checklist it doesn’t matter what. He’s the complete purpose we’re in a position to play for a lot cash, the complete purpose this sport is as in style as it’s, and the rationale most of us are taking part in. Not even shut.”
Nevertheless, ESPN reported that different execs will not be fairly as supportive of the PIP. Stated FedEx Cup Champion Patrick Cantlay, “”I feel I’m old-school within the respect that I would love the cash to be doled out relative to play, and I don’t assume the PIP does that. It could be the primary departure that the tour has had from rewarding good play to rewarding social media or reputation presence, so I don’t like that departure.”
Cash seize or deserved reward? Both approach, Mickelson must accept second this yr.
