PGA Tour: Why watching the 3M Open is important too
Welcome to Playing Through’s morning ritual: Golf Talk Today.
Round 1 of the 3M Open began this morning as many PGA Tour players duke it out for FedEx Cup points.
This morning, I wanted to write a short piece about why it is important to watch these events as much as the bigger ones.
The Open saw a four percent decrease in television ratings from last year. It is crazy to think that one of the biggest tournaments cannot keep people watching it.
Why are golf fans not tuning in anymore? The game is gaining popularity, but the PGA Tour cannot keep its audience entertained. Why? Is it how they present the broadcast? Is it a lack of big names? Are fans bored with the divide? So many variables explain why the PGA Tour cannot hold its audience.
The 3M Open is essential at this point in the season. Many players want to extend their season and earn PGA Tour cards. This week will feature fantastic golf that many people overlook because the field lacks super-popular players.
These guys are just as talented and are fighting for their careers. They have a passion for golf, and it shows through their play. Not to mention, crazy things happen these weeks as the FedEx Cup rankings can move and shift.
If someone has a great week, it could shift so many golfers down the standings.
The 3M Open may be an afterthought to many golf fans, but it should be something people get excited about each season because it means the playoffs are close and someone could change their whole career.
Just look at what Nick Dunlap did last week at the Barracuda Championship — he made history. Tune in this week and watch these guys go head-to-head for FedEx Cup points. The incredible golf is still there, and who knows, you could find a new favorite player to root for.
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Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @golf_girl_sl.
