Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay Sound Off Against the PGA Tour’s $50M PIP Program: ‘That is Crazy to Me’

The PGA Tour introduced the Player Impact Program last year. It made front-page headlines as the organization offered $40 million as the inaugural purse money. Notably, it was offered to the top 10 players in the game. However, while many are happy with the new initiative of the PGA Tour, Collin Morikawa and Patrick Cantlay do not share the sentiment.

Phil Mickelson won the first prize of $8 million under the PIP in 2021. Although the PGA didn’t officially announce the winner, Mickelson informed his fans about the victory through social media. Hence, his unofficial announcement made fans question the transparency of the program. Despite facing criticisms, the PGA had announced that the purse of the PIP had increased to $5o million. 

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Although the new prize money might have enticed some golfers, two of the world’s top 5 players don’t resonate with that thought. 

Collin Morikawa on the PIP money 

“What is the pool this year, $50 million? I mean, that is crazy to me,” said Morikawa. He further explained that the money could be used for the welfare of all the players rather than dividing it between the top 10 players. 

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“I don’t think that’s the best use of $60 million, but I don’t have an answer for that,” he further added. Morikawa was talking about the extra $10 million offered by the PGA to reward the players who compete in 15 or more tournaments per season. He explained that although he doesn’t know how the money can be helpful for the golfers, this is not the right way to do it. 

Patrick Cantlay’s take on the subject

“I think I am old school in the fact that I think money should be doled out according to play,” said Cantlay. He further added that the golfers would promote themselves and the sport on social media any way. Hence, he doesn’t think that the PGA has to reward money for that. 

The PIP and the Play 15 were the new initiatives of the PGA Tour to support its players. However, do you think they are spending the money on well-deserved reasons? Like Morikawa mentioned, $60 million is a big amount, and there must be some other ways to spend it.