In the late 80's the moniker 'supermodel' started being used and one of those original supermodels. Linda Evangelista, was quoted in Vogue saying "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day".
FEDEX Cup is golf's attempt at a playoff system to generate a greater sense of excitement. I have provided the link to all the details and will not bore you with that, this is more about how spoiled these 'supergolfers' have become.
I propose starting today we coin the phrase 'SUPERGOLFER' after this quote from San Diego's own Phil 'lefty' Mickelson regarding a $10,000,000 bonus annuity to the winner of the FEDEX cup:
"It would be really cool if we had this big check or we had cash to pay to the winner," said Phil Mickelson, who begins in fourth place with 98,000 points. "I think that would be good. Instead … guys won't see it for 20-plus years, and so it takes some of the luster out of it. You've got this corporation putting a $35 million check into this thing, and the players aren't going to see that money for 20-plus years, until well after they retire. … I think that would make it even more exciting if we did something like Vegas used to do. Like silver dollars … or to have a big check like the World Series of Poker with piles of cash. I think it would be cool." -Everything you need to know about the FEDEX Cup-Bob Harig for ESPN.com.
A little backstory.
I am not a golfer, but I do watch golf occasionally and can appreciate how difficult it can be. Yes, I've played and have in fact worked at a couple country clubs. It is a sport I am just not very good at as I did not want to devote the time, or money, in to the practicing. Surfing was free.
But let's get to the meat.
As of 9/5/2007, Tiger Woods, the first athlete to earn $100,000,000, has earned $8,347,052 on the golf course playing 52 rounds of golf. Phil Mickelson has earned $5,685,588 playing 65 rounds of golf including the $1.26 million of FEDEX Cup money he won over the labor weekend beating Tiger Woods. This also was the first time he beat Tiger head to head in 11 attempts.
So what does our "supergolfer" do next to show his appreciation to the sponsors, the game and carry that momentum of finally beating the #1 golfer? He slams the commisioner of golf during his acceptance and pulls out of the next tournament. Why? Four tournaments in four weeks is too much golf? His kids are starting school and have their first soccer game that weekend? Or, I don't need a $10,000,000 annuity. Give to me now or I am outta here? He's quoted for all of the above, but it's the money. If you really think it's too much golf or the kids, consider this.
The next day after he won on Monday, he took the fam to Chicago from Boston to play a corporate sponsor golf tournament, which also happens to be where the next FEDEX tournament will be played. This is MORE golf, the kids are no closer to getting in to a pattern to start school and SOCCER(?), they haven't even been in the state to practice with their team for a week.
Taking another look at that quote by 'lefty' we see this statement, "You've got this corporation putting a $35 million check into this thing, and the players aren't going to see that money for 20-plus years". It seems he is taking the 'boo-hoo' attitude that this corporation, FEDEX, is so wealthy that they should not be deferring the payout to us poor golfers?
For a player who has earned over $45 million playing golf, he should be stoked that a company is willing to put up $35 million to promote his sport. His, and Tiger's who did not play the first tournament, decision has a negative impact that will ripple throughout the sport. Is this the end of golf?
Of course not, but Phil, you're from Southern California where life is good and Golf has given you more than the population of whole cities in other parts of the country will not ever earn collectively. You have gone from the guy we pinned our hopes on to beat Tiger to selfish ass and that's a shame. Think about it while your playing your home course over the next two weeks. I don't think anyone is dumb enought to believe you're putting down the bag for two weeks.
Lastly, as a father, I can appreciate the putting the family first value, but what message are you now sending your kids? If you have a beef with your boss call in sick and pout?
What's you opinion?
For more on the dangers of golf that plague our 'supergolfer' go here
Comments