P.GA pro Nate Lashley expressed his dissatisfaction with the way PGA Tour distributed his 100 million dollars Player Impact Program (PIP) payments to only 20 players, including Rory McIlroy And Tiger Woods, to boost engagement and publicity for the tour. Lashley, ranked 170th in the world, took to social media to ask how many golf fans actually know what PIP is on the PGA Tour.
He then asked if the money was well spent and if it was time for new leadership on the PGA Tour. Lashley believes the PIP payments were a real kick in the ass to the rest of the PGA Tour players.
PIP payments are based on a number of factors, including internet searches, general awareness score among the U.S. population, social media reach and engagement metrics. McIlroy topped the list and earned $15 million, Woods earned $12 million despite missing most of the season due to ankle surgery, and Jon Rahm received $9 million.
The disparity between what top players earn and the average has become a growing topic in sports. The change in format for 2024, with eight flagship events which will bring together between 70 and 80 players, will only increase this disparity, leaving out some of the most marginal players on the circuit.
There is concern among PGA Tour players
THE PGA Tour tries to stop its biggest stars from defecting to the rebel league LIVGolf for massive salaries. The change in format appears to be a response to the emergence of LIV Golf. Each of these events has a purse of $20 million, of which $4 million will be awarded to the winner.
Lashley’s comments reflect growing concern among PGA Tour players about the fairness of PIP payments. While it is understandable that the tour would want to reward its biggest stars for their contribution to its success, it is also important to ensure that all players are treated fairly. The disparity between what top players earn and the average will likely become even more pronounced in the coming years as the tour attempts to compete with LIV Golf and other emerging leagues.
