LETTER OF THE MONTH

MY IDEA FOR CHANGE

I have been reading a lot lately of the plight of the Australian Golf Open. Let me first say as a proud Australian I would like nothing more to see it return to its once eminent position as one of the world’s great tournaments, when the world’s leading players REALLY wanted to win it.

I go back to the 1970’s watching Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and the rest of the world’s top-10 going round. The atmosphere in those days was electric.

Back then there were fewer tournaments worldwide. The US Tour finished at the end of October. The miniscule European Tour went from April to November, and actually only played in Europe. Asia was an afterthought. The total prizemoney for the Open in 1975 was worth more than a European event and about 45 percent of an average US event. Now it’s worth about 10 percent of a US tournament. Since then the rest of the professional golfing world has exploded, in tournament numbers and prizemoney.

Here in Australia, we have not even treaded water, we have gone backwards in spades. Today we have issues and Golf Australia needs to think about a way forward. Let’s look at some of the problems.

First there are only 50 weeks in a year when professional tournaments are played. In 2019 there are some six Tours where male professionals could make serious money. This does not include Australia. By my rough calculation there are around 120 tournaments each year, which have a larger purse than the Australian Open. Note that the world’s top pros would only play about 35 events a year, at a stretch. Pros are generally only interested in the money. If you put up enough money they would play down the Hume Highway with a rake and a shovel. The only events that make them nervous are the four Majors and the Ryder Cup.

Relationships are important. The USPGA Tour have very deep relationships with the stake holders of their tournament, including national and local businesses and charities. Just about every tournament has a charity connection that draws local businesses to support the tournament when they come to town. Some of these partnerships go back more than 60 years. Do not underestimate relationships.

Finally… pride. Golf Australia would like to think themselves as equal with the USGA and Royal & Ancient who run their respective Opens. This is far from the truth, both from a money and status perspective. Both the USGA and R&A have a LOT of money they can spend on their events. We don’t. So some suggestions. Golf Australia needs to swallow their pride, and realise they are at the crossroads for the Australian Open.

Start working on a relationship with either the US or European Tours to wrangle a date on their Tours. Work even harder on long term sponsors. This won’t be easy. Get the best tournament date to avoid really big money events, and maybe be in five or so years we might have a $5 to $7 million purse for the Australian Open with its future assured.

Jack Maresca Concord West, NSW