Professional golfer Xander Schauffele believes that the golf world’s focus on money has led to disillusionment among fans and stakeholders. Despite earning over $40 million in a calendar year, Schauffele still sees golf’s earnings as significantly lower compared to other professional sports. He points out that top golfers like Scottie Scheffler are earning much more than their counterparts in other sports, such as NFL quarterbacks. Schauffele emphasizes that money is a contentious topic in golf culture, with new battles erupting daily and an overall negative sentiment pervading the sport.
One of the reasons for this bitterness is the involvement of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in golf, particularly in talks for a potential merger with the PGA Tour. The investment from the PIF aims to improve the Saudi image among wealthy Westerners, rather than advancing the noble cause of golf. The influx of money from the Saudis and PGA Tour has led to a focus on self-interest and greed, undermining the sport’s traditional values of integrity and sportsmanship. Despite the financial gains, there is concern that money has distorted the market’s rationality, with players like Scottie Scheffler benefiting from a lucrative season without necessarily earning it.
Despite the significant financial rewards in golf, Xander Schauffele remains focused on winning as the most important aspect of the sport. He acknowledges that while winning $25 million would be nice, it wouldn’t fundamentally change his life. Schauffele’s perspective highlights the importance of the competitive aspect of golf and the intrinsic value of victories over monetary gains. Ultimately, Schauffele’s emphasis on the significance of winning reflects a desire to pursue excellence in the sport, regardless of the financial rewards.
