Free Money
- Updated: June 30, 2016
This week the PGA Tour presents us with an opportunity to see all most of the top players in the world play 72 holes sans cut at a venue that’s no stranger to some high numbers. Of course I’m referring to the WGC-Bridgestone held at Firestone CC in Akron, OH.
In fact since 2012, there have been 10 guys to shoot +20 or higher, with the highest being Daniel Popovic at +34 in 2013, bless his soul. Let me remind you, we are talking about the top players in the world.
Here’s the thing, none of those miles over par made less than $40K for their efforts. Some even like to call this free money. This year with the field being cut down to 61 guys because of scheduling issues, Euro Ryder Cup points, etc, last place earns a mere $50,500. To put that in perspective, the average median income based on the “latest” 2014 US Census is $53,657.
Just today, Daniel Berger stepped up to the tee, took one swing, and said peace out taking a WD citing a shoulder injury. Whether he really could give it a go or not, the fact is he will be cashing a check which equals some hard working single mother of 4’s paycheck for the year.
With the Olympic rain cloud that’s currently hanging over golf’s head, PR is of utmost importance for the game. However, situations like this make it almost impossible to defend against the general public’s stereotypes.
So while these guys can shoot scores as high as weekend hacks and get paid for it, let me take this time to remind everybody there is no such thing as free money.
