In addition to the PGA and Sr. PGA, throw in all the extras as competition, too: exhibitions, overseas obligations, endorsement obligations, Ryder Cups, President Cups, Internationals, and to a lesser extent, the Nike and LPGA tours.
Point is, there are lots of tournaments that are fighting for the same attendance and tv dollars. For the Classic Series to succeed in a Monday/Tuesday format, they need to have quality players and sites in locales with a large retirement population. The PGA draws the largest crowds, but even their Thursday/Friday rounds don't draw attendance all that well, and tv coverage is limited. Monday/Tuesday attendance at Classic events will do well to match Thursday/Friday PGA figures.
The Classic Series is aimed at a niche, much as the Senior Tour was when it started: a way for well-known players, most past their prime, to play to crowds who can relate to them. It has worked, and the Senior Tour has flourished, although it's taken a hit the last year or so in terms of ratings and attendance.
Don't misread this into me saying that the Classic Series is trying to become another Tour. I'm making the point that there IS a lot of competition for the dollars and attention of golf fans.
Mike |
