R&A CEO Martin Slumbers has shared his hopes for the future of the sport as he prepares to leave his post at the end of the year, saying it’s important for the men’s professional game to “sort itself out”.
Slumbers, who has been at the helm for nine years, addressed a range of hot topics, but it was his comments about the current state of the men’s game that really stood out.
The 64-year-old’s tenure will come to an end on the 13th December, with Mark Darbon due to take over the role. However, before leaving the post, Slumbers spoke about some of his current concerns, as well as how proud he was of The Open.
Here are 6 key takeaways from his recent interview.
Peace Deal Required
Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) behind LIV Golf, and Slumbers talk at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
(Image credit: Getty Images)
As per the report by the BBC, Slumbers said the current cash rich model for the male side of professional golf is “unsustainable”.
He is, of course, referring to the division in that game that has been caused since Saudi Arabian backers launched LIV Golf in the summer of 2021.
In response to the arrival of LIV and its $20m (£16m) tournaments, which saw a number of the best player’s in the world leave the PGA Tour, the American-based circuit has introduced a series of lucrative ‘Signature Events’.
In short, all everyone seems to be talking about these days, when it comes to the men’s game, at least, is money.
Slumbers believes that is not good for the game’s image, and that it’s turning fans away – which is supported by the drop off in viewing figures.
“We do need the professional game to sort itself out in that regard and support what is a great momentum for our sport generally,” Slumbers said.
“I don’t fully understand all the nuances of all the business models that are out there in professional golf, but I’ve got a pretty good understanding of it. And I don’t believe it is sustainable, whether that’s today or tomorrow.
“It needs to be addressed and I think that the regular consumer of our game is turned off by it being led by a financial driver. We’ve got to go back to leading with values and history of the game.
“And if we can get those together the professional game will reconnect and will…
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