PONTE VEDRA BAY, Fla. — Max Homa received Jay Monahan’s attention just two weeks after he won top honors at Farmers Insurance Open, his sixth win on the PGA Tour.
Homa was aware that one Tour event had suffered from low TV ratings. He asked the commish about it, as he saw changes to the schedule.
It was an enlightening response.
Homa said that Monahan stated, first and foremost: TV ratings aren’t how the world works anymore.” Homa spoke on Tuesday at his news conference prior to the Players Championship. “When you think about Waste Management, as he said, there’s so many fanfare. … This is corny. But celebrities and other people who don’t know golf well are sharing their experience via social media. It is boosting the PGA Tour and golf overall, which I believe is fantastic. That was very interesting.
“Then, ofcourse, he sent me the final ratings and it was, I believe, the highest event. It was the most viewed event since the Players last year, although I don’t recall the day. That was my take on it.
Homa has accepted his role as a leader of the recent top-heavy PGA Tour movement. He missed Tuesday’s players meeting but said that he’s been to more meetings this year than any other. Monahan has been helping him to understand the Tour’s strategy, Homa also mentioned this.
Homa stated that it is easy for players to see these events and think, “Man, this is working great. Like look at the last few events and the finishes. The players battling each other. And the leaderboards. It just seems so great.” I would guess that this would lead to great ratings and attention, but that is not what we know.
“So I kinda lean on Jay, since we’ve had this discussion with Jay, where it can kinda continue to show me, just not explain but show me that the product is doing a great work. And again, I know this sounds like I’m just reiterating my point, but the main reason I love this model is because of my love of golf. Since I was a child, I have loved golf watching. It’s why I love it.”
Max Homa takes a walk from the green at the 15th fairway during the 2023 WM Phoenix Open. (Photo: Allan Henry/USA TODAY Sports)
He and Lacey welcomed Cam on Oct. 30, 2022. Despite these new parental responsibilities, Homa has kept his focus on the course and posted a pair of wins and five top-4 finishes.
He is still invested in the Tour’s success, as evidenced by his curiosity about Monahan.
Homa stated that although my attention is on me and being the best version of myself, it also focuses on making sure that the PGA Tour is thriving. “I love the game and want others to love it and get involved,” Homa added. “I don’t want to be part of something that is boring or stale.
“So, I care a lot about what we do and these meetings, pushing the envelope, and making changes that will benefit the golfer, because I am a golf lover.”
After spending time with Monahan Homa is convinced that the redesigned schedule with smaller-field, no cut elevated events will benefit players at the top as well as those who are looking into the upper echelons of the game.
Homa stated that she has really thought about this and doesn’t see why it isn’t better. It makes it more competitive at top. It offers a greater pot of gold for the men at the top, maybe just outside of the designated event area.
