Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, more react to PGA Tour’s equity plan

One of those players who had his phone out and received a memo with good news was Chesson Hadley. Last June, he was the first-round leader at the RBC Canadian Open after Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan stunned the world by announcing the framework agreement with Saudi Arabia’s PIF. Hadley, 36, remarked at the time that he would like to be compensated for his loyalty and the one-time Tour winner, ranked No. 297 and with earnings north of $12 million, was crucified for it.

“I chose the wrong pronoun. I said ‘I’ and people thought I was trying to be like I’m some world hero, golf hero that deserves it. I’m very aware of my career compared to the big fish who have stayed, I’m very aware of that,” he said last week ahead of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson.

“The basement pays pretty good. I have a good view from the basement.”

Hadley was pleased to receive his shares, something he said all players who finished in the top 125 in the FedEx Cup point standings received and noted that he was “blessed to be in the right place at the right time.”

“Some people deserve more, some people didn’t get any that probably should have but it’s not a perfect system,” he added. “It will be curious what the Tour looks like in 10 years. There’s never been a major sports association that hasn’t gone up in value, right? They keep growing. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys are worth $6 billion now and 10 years ago they were worth $3 billion. Hopefully, that’s the trajectory of the PGA Tour and everybody’s equity grows.” 

Asked if being a shareholder in the Tour changes his view about LIV players returning, he said, “It makes me want some of them back more. My piece goes up immediately if Jon Rahm comes back. The Tour is instantly more valuable if he comes back. I would think my equity goes up if PIF becomes an investor but I don’t know.”