In the last handful of days, the ever-changing Saudi Golf League has transitioned from a pipe dream to a realistic PGA TOUR competitor. It started with Alan Shipnuck of The Fire Pit Collective reporting that 20 PGA Tour Players have signed on to jump ship to join the Blood Money Tour “Super Golf League.” An announcement is reportedly set for the week of THE PLAYERS highlighting specific details. Also reported by Alan, nine events in the United States, four in Asia, and one in Canada.
According to No Laying Up‘s podcast and repeated on Twitter from Adam Stanley, Pulpit Club in Caledon, Ontario has been approached about hosting the Super Golf League. The Dr. Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry golf course has been a staple amongst Canada’s Top 100 since its 1990 opening. Beyond The Contour‘s 2022/2023 Top 100 ranks Pulpit Club’s Pulpit as the 52nd best golf course in Canada. From a pure professional golf host venue standpoint, Pulpit is long and hard enough, but the property could be potentially difficult to move fans around logistically. Caledon is not a bustling infrastructure hub (it is quite charming, however), but players driving 30 minutes from Brampton has always been the compromise for any events the club has sought out to host. Regardless, the Pulpit is a course professional golfers would love.
It is hard to see the PGA TOUR taking any news lightly of potential venues, but in this case, Canada and the RBC Canadian Open is a factor as well. Pulpit has openly expressed interest in hosting our National Open. One would have to assume that would be off the table if they decide to host the Saudi event. For our money, we would not bet the rival tours lovingly share venues.
Twitter is a bit detached from reality, but the reaction to the Saudi Arabia funded golf tour has not really been all that positive. Is the public perception worth the risk? Places like Pulpit Club and other places that have been approached are nationally recognized, well established clubs. Are they ready to risk that reputation for a pre-Champions Tour, no cut snooze fest tour featuring *checks note* Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Adam Scott, Ian Poulter, and other similar names? We will see how Canadians take to this, and how the members feels about supporting all the sins that come with Saudi Arabia.
This is a developing story that may be updated as the days go on.
