It is obvious from my original post that I agree strongly with the sentiments of Michael Powers and Steve Lapper.
To those who think this affiliation is benign, I would suggest that the USGA is well underway down a very slippery slope, relying on endorsement deals for cash. Lexus and American Express are already signed-on (the official car and the official card). How ridiculous, and an unseemly strategy at best for a non-profit whose mission is founded on integrity and the good of the game. Should Ping be in a tie-up with the USGA? Should Wadsworth Golf Construction? Should Ecco? Should Klein or Dodson be the "official scribes"? Ah, maybe Jones or Hanse have the opportunity to be the "official course restorers" for the championship venues.
From the USGA press release last March: "ESPN, which has televised USGA championships since 1982, will remain the exclusive cable partner of the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open and U.S. Senior Open. The terms of the agreement also give ESPN extensive global multimedia rights, including increased exposure through ESPN International and new media offerings."
and on Feb 1 2008 we have: "ESPN Golf Schools Presented by American Express provides the finest available golf instruction at premier golf courses and facilities nationwide"
Do you think ESPN/American Express provide the finest available golf instruction nationwide? Don't you think the TV deal and this golf schools thing are connected? And the vendor neutrality issue is real: why should Pelz, Leadbetter, Harmon, McLean, Puterbaugh, Pinehurst, Pine Needles, Grand Cypress, et. al be put at a competitive disadvantage because the guardian of golf shills for this outfit?
Patrick says "write 'em" and I guess I will ---- of course, the blazers don't really want the feedback, and there is certainly no "Contact Us" pick on their web site. Anyway, the new executive team is in place (led by Pete Bevacqua in the newly created post of "chief business officer"), so its all about the Benjamins going forward.
So maybe I need a chill pill, but the purpose of this organization is not to make money and pile up cash on the balance sheet. But, today, its a primary focus. Meanwhile, the 8,000 yard courses will be built, succesors to J.B. Holmes will make obsolete another set of historic golf courses , tournament rounds (that set the tone for pace of play generally) will be at 5.5 or 6 hours without penalty, "traditional" Open sites will be shut out because they can't maximize profits without the real estate to dot the landscape with corporate tents.
Do you know how rich this organization is? Why? Money is not the problem, lack of leadership is.