It does not take too long to see that the current golfing landscape at the very highest level does not appear to be sustainable, with all kinds of riches coming into the game at a time when so many fans are steering clear of the likes of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Of course, LIV Golf has shaken the golfing world like nothing else for a very long time. Not only have they poached a number of the world’s biggest names, but they have also prompted the PGA Tour to massively increase purses for many of their events.
The problem is that many of the world’s best golfers currently are not attracting fans to the game. Tiger Woods won the PIP for 2024 despite only making a handful of appearances. Meanwhile, The Showdown attracted hugely disappointing viewing figures considering the star power on show.
With that in mind, it appears that Justin Thomas feels that changes need to be made.
Fans react as Justin Thomas sends letter to all PGA Tour members
As reported by Athletic writer Gabby Herzig, Thomas has sent a letter to all PGA Tour members in which he has encouraged all players to give the broadcasters much more access before, during and after rounds.
Thomas believes that it is imperative that the players connect with the fans a lot more. Meanwhile, he has suggested that brief interviews right before teeing off, as well as on course conversations could help.
And it seems that most fans appear to be in support of Thomas’ idea. One simply posted: ‘Well done JT‘ in response, while another said: ‘Mic them up! Mic up rivals and let them trash talk. I’m here for it all.‘
There have been others suggesting where they would take the idea, with one fan suggesting: ‘My favorite part of watching pro golf is when we get to listen in to a player and their caddie planning the next shot. More of that would be great‘. Another wrote: ‘Thanks for posting. More player caddy convos, smaller commercial loads. I actually don’t really care or take much from the on course interviews.’
Elsewhere, Colt Knost threw his support behind the ideas.
However, the reaction has not all been positive – as Thomas would probably have assumed – with some believing that there is a bigger issue which needs addressing.
The American Express attracted a lot of criticism, with the final round taking the best part of six hours despite just 71 players being out on the course on Sunday. And thus, some believe that actually addressing pace of play is going to have a bigger impact.
One fan wrote: ‘He missed the ‘shot clock’… that’s the only thing that’ll fix the broadcast.’ Another posted: ‘Fix pace of play or none of it matters the actual watching experience is horrible!‘
How the PGA Tour can learn from Bryson DeChambeau
It seems absolutely imperative that the PGA Tour builds new stars, particularly at a time when it is facing accusations of becoming more of a closed shop ahead of the changes coming in 2026.
Perhaps predictable interviews on the first tee will not transform the presentation, but fans largely appreciate the look behind the curtain. And if their favourite players come across well, then they are going to be more inclined to keep an eye on their progress.
It is surely fair to say that Bryson DeChambeau – who, admittedly, was involved with The Showdown – does not become one of the world’s most popular players without his YouTube channel. That should certainly now inspire the PGA Tour following Thomas’ letter.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
