Recently, the topic of how effective the signature events are has come up. Players seem to be enjoying it. It was revealed by Dan Rapaport that Rory McIlroy believes that these events are working as promised. Criticisms of the format and how these events are presented are pretty low, but one former golfer turned commentator has his own criticism of the event. Aaron Oberholser’s criticism revolves around one major detail about the events.
Signature Event Refresher
The signature events were created in response to LIV Golf’s entry into the scene. The events are designed to rekindle interest in fans and players by creating a high-risk, high-reward format, which limits the player count and offers a substantial reward. With the player count being right around seventy, it really comes down to being an all-star event. That last part is what Arron Oberholser sees as the problem.
Aaron Oberholser’s Criticism
While on the Golf Channel, Oberholser weighed in on signature events, and he wants to see more competition. Oberholser wants to see more high-risk with the cut list being at least half the original field size. He goes on to say that he wants a minimum of 100 and a maximum of 144 players on the field for the first half. The last number is getting close to the normal field size, but can be overcome by a higher cut rate. Oberholser goes on to explain that the low field size and the event being mostly the top player can make the event too predictable.
“I think that creates more competition.” Oberholser said, “I think some of the Signature Events actually get quite boring because when you get smaller fields like that, you can get runaway winners on a regular basis to a certain extent, especially when you get a Scottie Scheffler who can dominate at times, or even a Rory. Any of those guys who can just roll up a bunch of 65s in a row on a golf course, and before you know it, it’s a snooze fest coming down the stretch. I don’t want that. I think the more guys you can get in the field, the more competition it’s potentially going to bring.”
What Oberholser is proposing can lead to a high-risk, high-reward outcome for these events. Putting a lot of pressure on the field for the players to perform at their best. With the higher possibility of a breakout player, it could be anyone’s game.
Oberholser’s Suggestions With The Schedule
The signature events are still a fairly new format for the PGA. They already had a name change in the first three years they’ve been around. There is still plenty of room to improve. Number one is the scheduling, where all eight are in the first half of the year. The Travelers Championship was right after the US Open at Oakmont, an already very demanding major, and the players were jumping right into another event that can be stressful. Before Oberholser’s suggestions can be implemented, the PGA should address the scheduling issues first. However, with the suggestions put in, the signature events could be greatly improved and create highly anticipated events.
Main Photo Credit: © Leon Halip-Imagn Images
