Quote:
Originally Posted by Senator Clay Davis
A few things:
1. Saudis already bought a PL team in Newcastle. In fact Newcastle's away jersey next year is literally the Saudi national jersey, just with the Newcastle badge.
2. This is not a money making venture, it's sportswashing, so they are committed to losing heavy here. Apparently 10 years of funding is secured.
3. Being banned from majors is really the only meaningful deterrent here, and I don't see how they can institute a ban, especially for the Opens. The "ban" will be LIV guys can't qualify on OWGR points, so only the exempt guys are safe.
4. It seems the under reported part of their strategy is trying to snap up younger up-and-comers, and amateurs with potential. Apparently some of the amateurs are even getting multi-million dollar signing bonuses. This to me is where the PGA might have some problems, not in losing has beens, also rans, and never weres.
But the whole venture is contingent on being able to have players, sponsors and TV partners telling us how great Saudi Arabia is. So until they actually start getting TV deals and meaningful platforms this is a fruitless endeavor. Not getting an audience will see the plug pulled far faster than hemorrhaging money.
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re: point 2 We'll see how firm this 10 year commitment is. There is only one place from which that commitment comes and I wouldn't trust it. They will get tired of this once no one is paying attention anymore. Hopefully players getting paid up front.
I expect next to zero interest in the events themselves. These guys play exhibitions all the time and who carest beyond a small targeted market. If I heard Dustin Johnson was playing a round at my home club, I wouldn't go one inch out of my way to watch that.
I guess they might be able to play in the Open championships but that's only 2 of 4 majors. Masters will keep inviting former champions too I imagine.