Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Go Low - We're back! What is the state of golf, Ludvig Åberg is a star, Mexico Open
Release Date: February 19, 2025

Introduction

In the latest episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middlekauff reintroduces the Go Low podcast, focusing on the evolving landscape of golf. Middlekauff expresses his enthusiasm for expanding the podcast by engaging industry insiders, including players, caddies, and apparel representatives, to provide deeper insights into the sport.

Notable Quote:
“I love the PGA Tour. I love golf in general, whether it's playing it, gambling on it, talking about it.”
— John Middlekauff [05:07]

The State of Golf: Popularity vs. Professional Engagement

Middlekauff delves into the paradoxical state of golf in 2025: while recreational participation has reached an all-time high, professional golf is grappling with declining viewership and engagement. He highlights that more individuals are playing golf than ever before, yet the PGA Tour struggles with low ratings and diminished spectator interest.

Notable Quote:
“More people in 2025 are playing golf than have ever played the sport. And it's not even close.”
— John Middlekauff [12:15]

Professional Golf’s Business Model Crisis

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the financial strains within professional golf. Middlekauff critiques the PGA Tour's business model, pointing out the exorbitant fees paid to retain top players and the struggle to balance player compensation with sustainable revenue. He underscores how the traditional model is faltering despite the sport’s growing grassroots popularity.

Notable Quote:
“Overall, the sport from the professional level is in a really, really bad spot. And it sucks, right?”
— John Middlekauff [18:45]

The Impact of LIV Golf and PGA Tour Split

The rise of LIV Golf emerges as a critical disruptor in the golfing world. Middlekauff examines how LIV Golf's substantial financial incentives are enticing top players away from the PGA Tour, thereby exacerbating the latter's struggles. He discusses the ramifications of this split, including the financial boon for players who join LIV Golf and the long-term implications for the unity and competitiveness of professional golf.

Notable Quote:
“They are making historic amount of money, not just with signing bonuses, but Joaquin Neiman... Pat Perez made more money on LIV in three years than he ever did in the PGA Tour for over 20 years.”
— John Middlekauff [22:10]

Spotlight on Rising Stars: Ludwig Åberg

Middlekauff shifts focus to emerging talents in golf, highlighting Ludwig Åberg as a beacon of hope for the sport's future. He lauds Åberg's consistency, technical prowess, and potential to dominate major tournaments. Middlekauff shares personal anecdotes about interacting with Åberg, emphasizing his confidence in the young golfer's ability to achieve significant milestones despite occasional health setbacks.

Notable Quote:
“He's a lock this year to finish at minimum a top five in one of the majors. I'd be shocked if he doesn't have multiple top tens.”
— John Middlekauff [41:20]

Golf Broadcasting and Viewer Experience

Addressing the broadcasting shortcomings, Middlekauff criticizes the lack of comprehensive shot tracking and engaging on-course coverage. He attributes these issues to cost-cutting measures by broadcasters like NBC, which have led to diminished viewer experiences. Middlekauff stresses the importance of high-quality broadcasting in maintaining and growing golf's professional audience.

Notable Quote:
“Watching golf tournaments, there are just more ads than any other sporting event you will ever watch… but there are specific ins and outs of the action, and that's just not true in golf.”
— John Middlekauff [49:30]

The Role of Personalities and Media Engagement

The discussion transitions to the significance of personalities within golf and their impact on media engagement. Middlekauff compares legendary figures like Tiger Woods and modern influencers like Bryson DeChambeau, emphasizing how strong personalities can enhance the sport's appeal. He advocates for fostering charismatic athletes who can resonate with audiences beyond their on-course performances.

Notable Quote:
“Big personalities are crucial in individual sports. Bryson has done that and through YouTube, obviously he's a great player and he won the US Open in pretty historic fashion with that bunker shot at Pinehurst.”
— John Middlekauff [50:45]

Gambling and Engagement in Golf

Middlekauff shares his personal experiences with gambling on golf tournaments, discussing strategies and successful bets. He illustrates how betting can heighten engagement and interest among viewers, providing an additional layer of excitement to the sport. This segment underscores the interplay between gambling and spectator involvement in modern sports.

Notable Quote:
“I placed $200 on Tony Fee to finish in the top five. And I got kind of lucky. He birdied 17. Then he birdied 18 to finish tied for fifth. So I turned my thousand dollars into 1500.”
— John Middlekauff [54:45]

Future Outlook and Conclusions

In wrapping up the episode, Middlekauff summarizes the critical challenges and opportunities facing golf. He reiterates the need for the PGA Tour to adapt its business model, enhance broadcasting quality, and cultivate engaging personalities to revitalize professional golf. Middlekauff also hints at future podcast plans, including in-depth analyses and guest appearances from key industry figures.

Notable Quote:
“I'll talk to everyone soon... but enjoy the week and we will talk soon.”
— John Middlekauff [59:50]

Key Takeaways

• Golf's Dichotomy: High recreational participation contrasts with declining professional engagement.
• Business Model Struggles: The PGA Tour faces financial challenges amidst increasing player compensation demands.
• LIV Golf's Disruption: Substantial financial incentives from LIV Golf are drawing top talent away from traditional tours.
• Rising Stars: Ludwig Åberg represents the promising future of golf with his consistent performance and potential.
• Broadcasting Issues: Enhanced shot tracking and engaging coverage are essential for improving viewer experience.
• Importance of Personalities: Charismatic athletes can significantly boost the sport's appeal and media presence.
• Gambling Influence: Betting adds excitement and increases spectator engagement in golf.

Note: This summary focuses solely on the main content of the podcast episode, excluding advertisements, intros, outros, and promotional segments as per the user's request.