Tim Finchem rules out changing host course of Hyundai Tournament of Champions
It will not be a sensible move to change the venue of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions to West Coast from its existing host course, The Plantation Course at Kapalua, in a bid to attract more competent players to the event, says Tim Finchem, PGA Tour Commissioner.
Speaking at a press conference, Tim Finchem said that he does not think that moving the host course of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions will do any good in terms of players' participation.
Given the less participation of players due to several factors, some observers mentioned that changing the course venue could change the status quo.
He went on to say that The Plantation Course, Kapalua, is a good course for prestigious events like the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, as things are running smoothly.
However, opponents of the venue of the Tournament of Champions are keen to point out some obvious downsides regarding the host course, saying players' participation is the most important factor when it comes to the success of an event.
Dispelling concerns over players' participation, Finchem clarified that those players who did not participate in this year's Hyundai Tournament of Champions had their reasons to remain off the course.
"Several of last year’s winners are not in this week’s field, due to a wide range of factors, from injuries to family obligations to a late European Tour season," Finchem told.
He further stated, “Of the 10 or 11 players … five of them were not able to play because they had a baby or they got hurt, so they are not going to play”.
Finchem pointed out another problem that according to some is the real cause for the shrinking participation of players in the Tournament of Champions, which is, commuting factor.
Finchem said that he does not agree with the idea that it is impossible for players to fly across different continents.
“To a European player who has played deep, deep into November and December, can make the trip, it’s not much difference to come from Europe. So I don’t see that as a significant factor”.
For Finchem, the venue was not the issue, he mentioned a host of other issues hampering the participation of some of key players.
Tags: