Unless something changes drastically and very soon, this week will mark the end of a 41-yr tradition at Hilton Head Island, SC. After Verizon decided that last year would be their final year to maintain their title sponsorship of the Heritage Tournament, most felt that securing a new title sponsor wouldn’t be an issue. Yet nearly 52 weeks have passed, and while there have been a few nibbles here and there during this time – no one has taken the bait.
There’s plenty of blame to be shouldered. First and foremost, obviously, is the economy. Despite the growing optimism on Wall Street, companies and corporations just aren’t feeling it. Convincing a potential suitor to let go of $6 million during these still-uncertain times is no easy task. Maybe part of the blame can be shouldered by the tour itself, as most tournament purses have climbed some 60 percent over the past decade. Back in 2001, the purse for the Heritage was $3.5 million. This week the players will be competing for $5.7 million. Sure, the tour’s operational expenses have increased over the years, but maybe it’s time to reel back some of the unnecessary spending, just as every other company and corporation has had to do over the past 3-4 years. Does Finchem truly believe that his product is recession proof, that the bubble is going to continue expanding without popping, unlike the housing crisis? And maybe we can throw some of the blame on the shoulders of the tour’s biggest names, players who for whatever reason couldn’t care less if this tournament signs a new sponsor and stays on the schedule or not. Not that we expect the top stars to play in every event, but maybe show up once in a while to generate some new excitement, show some appreciation for the fact that they have a sponsor willing to contribute to the stage and the money they’re playing for. Afterall, it’s never good for the tour to lose a tournament, much less one that has been on the books as long as this one has.
But that’s on the verge of happening. With the upcoming schedule for 2012 coming due very shortly, it’s beyond crunch time. It’s 4th and long, the clock is running out, and they have to go the length of the field. Otherwise, this show ends this Sunday.
Scott's Golf Blog 