The PGA Tour has strived to grow golf's popularity but hasn't seen much success yet. Ratings continue to plummet weekly as the television coverage continues to be questionable. Additionally, players are still leaving for the rival LIV Golf. It's hard to be a golf fan unless you're a true diehard at this point.
The PGA's latest attempt to bolster the game involves former Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein, who will work alongside the Tour and its players to help improve golf's favorability.
In an effort to enhance fan experiences on and off site at @PGATOUR events Theo Epstein, MLB executive and partner of Fenway Sports will work alongside The Tour and players to help grow the product.
— Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) May 8, 2024
Epstein, 50, is currently a senior advisor for Fenway Sports Group, which was part of the agreement that funneled $3 billion into the PGA Tour earlier this spring.
Epstein is known in baseball circles as a master of rebuilding struggling franchises and leading them to the promised land. But this is a completely different challenge in an entirely different sport. However, the PGA Tour needs to start somewhere to achieve its goals.
Epstein will work closely with the Tour and its players to revolutionize the product. The timing is ideal as the PGA Tour has secured plentiful assets in the aforementioned deal, and a rebuild is much needed.
I hinted at the possibility of such a move a few months ago when Epstein rejoined Fenway. It was rumored then that he'd assume a larger role in the company outside of baseball, which turned out to be perfect timing following Fenway's investment in the PGA Tour. There's a lot of work to be done to improve the Tour's current offering, but Epstein is an ideal candidate to do so with his vision and track record of success.
Overall, the PGA Tour is starting over and thinking outside the box. With Epstein at the helm, I'm excited to see what the PGA Tour can accomplish over the next year or so. Perhaps he can end the curse of the Tour's plummeting ratings.
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