'Why Players Are Upset' - PGA Tour Pro Criticises New Schedule
James Hahn received backlash after criticising the new PGA Tour schedule and how it will lead to him spending time away from his family
Two-time PGA Tour winner James Hahn has criticised the new Tour schedule and hinted that it is one of the reasons why players are unhappy and moving to LIV Golf.
Hahn was particularly critical about a stretch of the schedule that sees consecutive tournaments in Las Vegas, Japan, South Carolina, Bermuda and Mexico, saying that it will lead to 20 hour travel days, not seeing family and tens of thousands of dollars in expenses.
"Take a look at the new PGA Tour schedule and you’ll understand why players are upset," Hahn said. "Vegas to Japan to South Carolina to Bermuda to Mexico? For the viewers, it’s a flick of a remote. For us, it’s 20 hour travel days and tens of thousands of dollars in expenses.
"Planning my schedule and realizing I won’t see my family for the greater months of October, January, February and March. Spending time with my family is definitely an issue as a Tour player."
Hahn revealed he is currently on the seventh week of an eight-week stretch and won't have seen his family for a month. He also said he'll miss taking his daughter to her first day of school. The American then called for the Tour to play in major US cities where there are NFL teams instead of islands like Bermuda and Puerto Rico.
"We should be playing in major cities, places where they have an NFL football team," he said. "Not Bermuda and Puerto Rico. Us little guys have feelings too. I’m saying we should play in big markets in the USA. I don’t see the NFL going to Bermuda, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic. We’re the best Tour in the world. Boston? Philly? SF? NYC?"
Hahn admitted he is "too old and not good enough for LIV" and responded to critics after complaining about the new schedule.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"Do you see the hypocrisy. Players are leaving the Tour because they want to spend more time with their families among other things. But when I address our scheduling issue, it’s considered whining and insignificant. Can’t win with you guys."
Former US amateur champion and BMW PGA Championship winner Ben An, who earned his PGA Tour card via the Korn Ferry Tour earlier this year, replied to one of Hahn's tweets, saying he completely agreed but said there are plenty of golfers willing to take their spots.
"Completely agree that travel is tough those weeks. But there are millions of golfers willing to take our spots on tour. There are plenty out there who’s happy to suck it up and travel. I was one of them last year."
Former Masters champion and 2023 Presidents Cup captain Trevor Immelman said "You’ll be ok dude" whilst Sky Sports commentator Ewen Murray replied with: "Many will be sad you feel that way after all the work by the Tour and great support from sponsors. However, help is at hand. Give back your Tour card, go down to the job centre and see what’s available. Maybe $15 an hour close to home? You never know unless you try. Good grief!"
Five-time European Tour winner Barry Lane was less sympathetic, writing: "O’Dear what a shame. Its amazing how hard you have it. Grow up."
Take a look at the new PGA Tour schedule and you’ll understand why players are upset. Vegas to Japan to South Carolina to Bermuda to Mexico? For the viewers, it’s a flick of a remote. For us, it’s 20 hour travel days and tens of thousands of dollars in expenses.August 1, 2022
Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!
Elliott is currently playing:
Driver: Titleist TSR4
3 wood: Titleist TSi2
Hybrids: Titleist 816 H1
Irons: Mizuno MP5 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore 50, 54, 58
Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG #5
Ball: Srixon Z Star XV
-
Ryan Gerard Facts: 20 Things To Know About The PGA Tour Player
Ryan Gerard is building an impressive career after graduating from the University of North Carolina in 2022
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Korn Ferry Tour Championship Prize Money Payout 2024
The season-closer offers an attractive prize fund for its field of 74 – as well as the chance to claim a coveted PGA Tour card
By Mike Hall Published