How Do These Events Survive

[GB72]

I am sitting watching some of the Sicillian Open and there is almost nobody there. At most there are one or 2 people on each green but some groups have nobody watching them at all. How on earth do these events survive. Surely they have to get a few people through the turnstyles to make it worthwhile. I know that the field is not exactly stellar but still, I can think of half a dozen countries that only have 1 or 2 events at present who do a better job of getting the crowds in.

 

[harvey4banger]

Usually more people there at the weekend

 

[swanny32]

I think that's what puts me off watching the European PGA is that there is no atmosphere at all, hardly any of the events have a big turn out.

 

[GB72]

On the last tee shot I saw there were more people there from media than spectators by some way.

 

[DaveyG]

Probably like the football... Sky and the TV Companies are where the money is... Plus Advertising off the back of the TV companies being there.

 

[Monty_Brown]

I know what you mean... some of the european ones in what would be considered non-golfing countrues have really poor turnout on the first two days.

Not watching it myself, but does this tournament have a title sponsor? I guess that's where a lot of the funds come from.

I mean how many golfers are there on Sicily? Do the Mafia even play golf?! :mmm:

 

[Robobum]

New course, not a "usual" golfing destination.....

Showcasing the course and area, funded in part by the tourist board or equivilent I'd imagine.

 

[papyt]

do you think the tour got "an offer they could not refuse". well some one had to say it!!!!!!!

 

[PhilTheFragger]

do you think the tour got "an offer they could not refuse". well some one had to say it!!!!!!!

Hope you dont get a horses head in your bed tonight

Fragger

 

[CMAC]

I was at 2 tour events that had all the fairways roped off and I was the only pillock standing on the other side (following my local pro).

I felt stupid as there was more people on the course than behind the ropes, had to chuckle when a marshal held up a "Quiet Please" sign and it was only me there:rofl:

 

[HawkeyeMS]

I was at 2 tour events that had all the fairways roped off and I was the only pillock standing on the other side (following my local pro).

I felt stupid as there was more people on the course than behind the ropes, had to chuckle when a marshal held up a "Quiet Please" sign and it was only me there:rofl:

Do you think they would have thrown you out if you weren't quiet?

 

[Jaymosafehands]

I was at the Adalucian Open last weekend on the Saturday, and with the exception of the Jimenez/Manessaro pairing (which had about 80% of the following) the rest was like an empty golf course.

From cost point of view, it was only 10 euros to get in and you literally was right next to the players, and could stand right behind them on the practice range, which was a great experience to watch. The main sponsors were the tourist board, and on the basis we were out their playing golf for the following week they must know what they are doing.

Really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone. nothing compares to the Open, but seeing the big boys close up is a real treat.

And Money? well, thats where Uncle Murdoch comes in!!

 

[Evesdad]

I used to love going to the British masters but it's been cancelled the last couple of years due to the lack of sponsorship! That was another where you were right next to the players.

 

[GB72]

I used to love going to the British masters but it's been cancelled the last couple of years due to the lack of sponsorship! That was another where you were right next to the players.

I went to the last British Masters and the crowds were pretty big. This is sort of what I was getting at, there are countries that have lost events that can bring in the crowds which creates atmosphere which brings in more people and provides for better TV. Not saying it should be in England but more Tour events in Scotland, Wales or Ireland would not go amiss.

 

[Dodger]

I was at the Adalucian Open last weekend on the Saturday, and with the exception of the Jimenez/Manessaro pairing (which had about 80% of the following) the rest was like an empty golf course.

From cost point of view, it was only 10 euros to get in and you literally was right next to the players, and could stand right behind them on the practice range, which was a great experience to watch. The main sponsors were the tourist board, and on the basis we were out their playing golf for the following week they must know what they are doing.

Really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone. nothing compares to the Open, but seeing the big boys close up is a real treat.

And Money? well, thats where Uncle Murdoch comes in!!

I think I am right in saying Jimenez's company bankroll that tour stop and make a loss on the week but it's his way of 'giving' to his homeland.

 

[Stub]

I went to the last British Masters and the crowds were pretty big. This is sort of what I was getting at, there are countries that have lost events that can bring in the crowds which creates atmosphere which brings in more people and provides for better TV. Not saying it should be in England but more Tour events in Scotland, Wales or Ireland would not go amiss.

I'm sure another tour event in England would be well supported - I'd go :whoo:so that's a crowd to start with.

 

[BoadieBroadus]

a number of these events seem to be held where they want to attract golfers on holiday rather than satisfy native interest in the game.

england does seem to be a bit short changed when it doesn't have the open. especially now they'd rather hold the ryder cup, anywhere but england (ok it was there for a long time...)

 

[fundy]

The big reason for the lack of tournaments in the UK is the tax situation meaning the players dont want to come here

Tax rules were changed to enable the UK to tax sportsmen/women on all of their income on a proportional basis for the time they are in the UK.

So for example say they add 1 more tournament in the UK and a player who just makes the cut is in the country for a week, he would get a tax bill of 50% on 2% of his "additional income" ie sponsorship money ultimately leaving him out of pocket for playing in the tournament.

There was an article a while ago I believe it was about Garcia where by entering a UK based tournament he would have to finish in the top 3 to break even or be profitable for the week, anything worse and it would cost him money to play

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

I am sitting watching some of the Sicillian Open and there is almost nobody there. At most there are one or 2 people on each green but some groups have nobody watching them at all. How on earth do these events survive. Surely they have to get a few people through the turnstyles to make it worthwhile. I know that the field is not exactly stellar but still, I can think of half a dozen countries that only have 1 or 2 events at present who do a better job of getting the crowds in.

The mob have made an offer no one can refuse!!