PLANNED PAYOUT FOR RICH GOLFERS RAISES QUESTIONS

Phil Mickelson claims he has won the year-long Player Impact Program (PIP) and the US$8 million bonus while Tiger Woods reportedly took second place and $6 million, although the PGA Tour said the results will not be official until next month.

The tour created the scheme last year to reward the players that bring the most interest to the circuit but keeps the PIP list confidential.

Players will be told where they are ranked on the list but will not be granted access to the entire ranking.

The new cash cow plan is based on the calendar year and not the season.

Who actually decides how the mountain of cash is divided, and why a player deserves a handout without even recording one birdie on the tour for the entire year is unclear?

Why top players warrant an extra wad of cash has not been clearly and rationally explained.

There is a mystery and some secrecy surrounding the PIP which has prompted many to ask questions.

Why is the PGA Tour giving their richest players such large cash rewards? And for what exactly?

Moans and groans being directed at the PGA Tour include queries that if there is so much money to give away, why not give it to struggling golfers instead of wealthy players like Mickelson.

The reigning PGA Championship champion has won over $90 million from tournament winnings and has an estimated net worth of $400 million.

Eyebrows have also risen upon news that Woods, who has an estimated net worth of $800 million, has reportedly been placed second on the new cash prize list.

To give $6 million to Woods, who hasn’t hit a shot on the PGA Tour since a car crash last February, is particularly unsavoury to many players who are trying to pay their mortgages.

It is hard to swallow for those trying their best to make a living out of the game.

Out of Bounds: Anyone who tells you that money is the root of all evil doesn’t have any.