September Fools!
Well we had to trick you because we hope to get the PGA’s attention so hopefully when they get bombarded with emails from MYGOLFSPY readers asking about the contest they will realize that there is no reason why there shouldn’t be a PGA Tour Long-Drive Contest…held every year.
Would You Watch
I mean raise your hand if you don’t absolutely LOVE the Home Run Derby every year for Major League Baseball? Ok, got it. Now, raise your hand if you’re a fan and grew up watching the Slam Dunk Contest held every year during the All-Star Break of the NBA? Ok, got it. Good, that’s what I thought. Now, answer me this…how many of you would like to see a “Long Drive Contest” held every year for the PGA Tour? That’s what I thought, every single one of you.
Tiger vs Daly vs Bubba
Why, is the question I’m posing, then why is there not a Long Drive Contest for the PGA Tour? Why is the only Long Driving done by guys that are not on the tour, were probably never on the tour, and will probably never be on it? Why can’t we see guys that we watch week after week tee it up at the Masters, the Open, St. Andrews, and the Ryders Cup step to the line and launch a few? Who wouldn’t pay, and pay a lot, to watch Tiger, Phil, Sergio, Vijay and others toe the line and put a few in orbit? You want ratings to go up, I can’t think of a better way to add some swagger and excitement into a sport that clearly needs it. We mentioned the “Shot Clock in Golf” yesterday, and it is no secret that that idea would have thousands upon thousands of naysayers. But…who in their right mind would be opposed to a PGA Tour long drive contest? Send the PGA Tour your feelings on the subject here.
Need A Ratings Boost? Look No Further!
The fact is, there will probably be those that would not like the idea. Swing coaches, agents, and those in charge of ensuring that each PGA Tour Pro’s health and fitness are in tip-top shape. I can imagine the swing coaches all gasping in collective horror as the proper technique and swing the pro has been working so hard to cultivate all get thrown right out the window as the player strains for every last yard of distance. While this would probably be only a “once-a-year” event, the other worry could possibly be injury. Muscle pulls, strains, and who knows what else could be the inevitable result of trying to hit a ball as far as humanly possible when you’re used to trying to place the ball gently in the short stuff.
Nevertheless, Golf, with a few exceptional tournaments, could use a little “Happy Gilmore-esque” boosts. I, for one, would pay to watch a PGA Tour Long Drive Competition, and I’m willing to bet a great deal of advertisers would be wanting to stake their fair share of cash to bet on the same thing.
So…would you watch?
Raise your hand, and put your bets down to who you think would win the 1st Inaugural PGA Tour Long Drive Contest.
mygolfspy
16 years ago
Bubba has the frame for it but I think if Tiger had 6 months to train he might be able to compete.