Majors or Money?

[Chilli Dipper]

Let's say that you're a talented young amateur golfer. One day, an Indian shaman (native American or subcontinental, your pick) comes to your course and tells you that he foresees a great and prosperous future for you.

"Does that mean that I will win the Masters, make millions of dollars, and own my own jet?" you ask.

"Perhaps," the shaman replies.

"Perhaps what?"

"There are two distinct paths to success that you find yourself at crossroads of. One path leads to many major victories. You shall win the Grand Slam. In addition, you shall win the Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open several times each."

"And what about the PGA Championship?"

"You will never compete in the PGA Championship."

"But if I don't win the PGA, how will I win the Grand Slam?"

"Bobby Jones never won the PGA, either, but he still won the Grand Slam."

"You mean I..."

"Yes. You shall also win the U.S. and British Amateurs on many occasions, because if you take the path that leads to many great championships, you must never play golf as a professional."

"And never make money?"

"Not if you follow the other path. The second path leads to riches you have never imagined. By the end of your playing career, you will have won 25 PGA Tour events, and be in the top 10 in career earnings."

"Then what's the catch?"

"If you take this second path, those major triumphs will all disappear. You will come very close to winning a major on many occasions, but victory shall always remain just beyond your grasp. You will be a very wealthy man, but for the rest of your life you will hear people talk about how you never won a major."

--

If you had to choose between championships or fortune, and the possession of one forbade possession of the other, which one would you choose?

[iacas]

Take the majors. The money will come, and quite likely while you're playing because some company will hire you just to be associated with them.

But I could see it going the other way: you could look at golf as a job, and tens or hundreds of millions of dollars would go a long way towards setting you and your family up for several generations.

P.S. If you win another major, you get to play in the PGA (and Michelle Wie played in the LPGA Championship without even doing that, as an amateur on a sponsor's exemption, which I found strange).

[BASHERBAKER69]

I think majors separate good players from great players. Kenny Perry is a good player but could never be described as a great player- Colin Montgomerie falls in to the same category as this.

Although Daly, Duval, and Davis Love have all earnt less than KP in career earnings i still regard them as better players than KP and Monty by virtue of their major success.

The jury is still out in my view as to whether the PGA Championship is really a major. Perhaps the Players is of higher stature than the PGA Champs.

All the minor events that Kenny Perry has won this year to top up his earnings does not mean he has been a great player on tour this year and i do not believe he should get a Ryder Cup spot, even if he should qualify.

[bigfred31]

money comes and goes. your name on major championship trophies and a green jacket are priceless. the pga has a deeper field then the masters. so it is a major. the players is just below the majors and will remain so because of the 17 th hole.

[iQuest Golfer]

I'll take the majors...

The implication is that by winning the majors I'll be playing in them. So, I assume that the money will take care of itself.

Over time in all sports it's the winners that are recognized... the also rans don't make the news.

[GaijinGolfer]

Id take the majors. Money is great, but it doesnt bring lasting happiness. Winning many majors would immortalize you in terms of golf, which is something that money cant buy.

[Treemagnet]

The money for sure. Who cares if your name is on some dumb cup that they wont let you have anyway.

[Surefire]

I'll take the majors...

I think the implication was you will win the majors as an amateur, and always retain amateur status, so no prize money or endorsement money.

[Chilli Dipper]

I think the implication was you will win the majors as an amateur, and always retain amateur status, so no prize money or endorsement money.

Indeed, it was. Whether or not you have a law degree to fall back on like Jones is up to you.

[TigerCurtis333]

Please.....give me the major.

Unless of course I am a great sportswriter like I hope to be for the event...then - money.

[TommyD69]

Money comes and money goes..... Majors are FOR EVER!!!!!!

[Smallville]

I'll take the money, thanks . . . or I would if this was for real! Yep, money every time.

[whip_it_out]

I'd rather wear the Green JAcket, or have my name engraved in the Wanamaker 5 times. Having the record for most majors and being the best all time player is what drives me.

[ganjagolfer]

i would say majors cuz money, you can't take it with you but you will be recognized in heaven for your major championship victories

[FortAsel]

Majors. It's like they said on a program about phil mickelson: "If you never win a major... your kind of a wannabe"

[ks8829]

If you can perform at the pressure of a major and win, you are playing at the highest level of your trade and no amount of money can duplicate that satisfaction to yourself.

[Smallville]

Majors. It's like they said on a program about phil mickelson: "If you never win a major... your kind of a wannabe"

But you're a wannabe with a lotta money.

[MrKadash]

You'll be remembered for your accomplishments, not how much money you won (assuming most care about their legacy). Like it was said earlier, they both are intertwined, so you would be rich either way.

Take the Majors.