The prize for the PGA Tour events is on a steep upward trend. Take the example of signature events offering a $20 million prize pot, or the full field event like Mexico Open or the Cognizant Open offering $7 million and $9.2 million respectively. For the professionals, it is a prominent sign, as Rory McIlroy pointed out, stating, “I look at what I made in 2019 before LIV came around and I look at what I’ve made after LIV came around and it’s very different.” In 2024, more than 134 players made over $1 million.

Fans are lowkey freaking out—if ticket prices keep climbing, golf might turn into an exclusive club for the rich. Empty stands, dead vibes, and a sport that feels less and less for the people. Is golf losing its roots?. Even the PGA Tour legend could not resist sharing the unexpected experience as a spectator at the Cognizant Classic.

Mark Calcavecchia, the 64-year-old retired professional, has had some great victories under his name. With 29 PGA Tour wins, the legend was shocked with his experience as a fan. Sharing about that, Calcavecchia posted on X writing, “⁦@the_cognizant⁩ at PGA National. This spectating sh*t ain’t cheap.”

The images shared a rate list with beer priced at $13, wine at $12.45, and sparkling water at $12.45. Despite the impressive performance of the current leaders at the PGA National Members Club, Calcavecchia was bamboozled by the soaring prices on the menu. Even fans have jokingly asked if it was his first time as a spectator.

As compared to the Masters, the prices are exceptionally high. But that is being followed by the majority of the events. Not only this, but the ticket prices are also starting from $50 for daily grounds. $200 to chill at the Bear Trap? Compared to other golf events, that’s practically budget-friendly.

Mark Calcavecchia calls Cognizant expensive but there are others

Mark Calcavecchia brought the high prices for the spectators into the spotlight. But Cognizant isn’t the most expensive one as many others are costing 3-4 times more. Most evidently, the most anticipated and loved event, i.e., the Ryder Cup, has the highest ticket price for the fans. The PGA of America Championship director Bryan Karns told PGA Tour Radio, “We view ourselves as a Tier 1 event that’s on par with a World Series or with an NBA Finals Game 7, that was a part of it.”

The result of this can be seen in the prices. For the practice days, the ticket costs $255.27, which is higher than the hospitality prices at the Cognizant Classic. Following that, there is only a steep upward move in the prices. On Thursday, which apart from practice, features Junior Ryder Cup, Celebrity Matches and the Opening Ceremony, costs $423.64. For the competitive days, the cost is a soaring $749.51, from Friday to Sunday.

LIV Golf too falls under the list of boujie events, at £67.88 for a single-day pass. The price jumps 3-4x on competitive days—but hey, you’re watching the best in the game. Worth it? That’s the real question. With bigger prize pots and fan perks on the rise, will it boost viewership or scare fans away? Share your thoughts in the comments below.