Given how controversial it has been since its inception it comes as no surprise to see the LIV Golf Invitational Series continue to dominate the headlines.
When the field for the opening event of the eight-event series at Centurion Club near London was announced last week Dustin Johnson was the shock inclusion on the list.
There had been speculation about the European Ryder Cup players who would be taking part but the inclusion of two-time major champion Johnson was a shocker as it was only a few weeks ago he publicly announced his commitment to the PGA Tour.
I spoke to European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley last week about what punishment those taking part would face but he gave nothing away.
I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
PGA Tour members jumping before they are pushed?
Across the Atlantic it has been suggested the PGA Tour members who have opted to play will learn the consequences of their actions this weekend.
But some of their members are not waiting to hear if they will be put on the naughty step.
Kevin Na announced at the weekend he was resigning his membership of the tour and he was followed on Tuesday by former world number one Johnson.
Na is a fine player but Johnson is a two-time PGA Tour player of the year and was FedEx Cup winner two years ago.
His decision to follow Na in relinquishing his tour membership is a big deal and it has been reported others such as Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Branden Grace are also all quitting the PGA Tour.
When Na made his announcement I thought it was a silly move. The PGA Tour had looked after him and given him the platform to become the successful golfer he is.
It all seemed needlessly dramatic.
But with more big names seemingly following suit, led by DJ, it does seem as if a potential mass exodus is coming as players look to avoid punishment.
The alternative theory of course is that this is merely the latest move in an attempt by some to improve their bargaining position.
The message seems pretty clear: ‘If you want me to be a member of your tour then you have to give me freedom to play on other tours too.’
To use a football analogy no player is bigger than the club and I’m sure the PGA Tour – and the European Tour for that matter – will come through this period of uncertainty and remain strong and successful.
Big names remain loyal
It is fascinating to see some players accept millions of pounds merely to take part while others have resisted.
Tiger Woods reportedly received a huge offer to leave the PGA Tour but has turned it down. Rory McIlroy has also said he is happy where he is.
Darren Clarke, meanwhile, was offered a substantial seven-figure sum to join the commentary team for the eight events but has also rejected it as he is loving life on the Champions Tour and does not want to jeopardise his place there.
Every player has had to consider the same dilemma in weighing up whether a fine or ban from their tour is worth it.
Some have decided it is not while others have made this a purely business decision.
Events this week have shown the landscape of professional golf is going to fundamentally change whatever happens.
European Tour event in Sweden is a genuine attempt to grow the game
It does sadden me that events in London have overshadowed an important event taking place in on the European Tour this week.
The European Tour’s Volvo Scandinavian Mixed in Sweden is a cracking event which is deserving of public support.
Hosted by arguably one of the greatest women to play the game in Annika Sorenstam and Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson, it is the one event which is looking to grow the game.
I cannot help but feel there are two different schools of thought in operation.
The Centurion Club will be a 54-hole shotgun start with no cut and will boast microphones everywhere so fans can hear the players chat as they walk round the course.
It feels like a glorified exhibition event.
In Sweden we will see 78 men and 78 women compete for one prize and one trophy.
I know which event will capture the attention of a female audience and it is not the one in London.
