Calls to End the Champions Tour Grow Louder After Chubb Classic Controversy
The debate over the relevance of the PGA Tour Champions has resurfaced, with critics calling for its discontinuation following a recent controversy at the 2025 Chubb Classic. This latest uproar stems from the performance of an exempted player, Mike Balliet, whose disastrous scorecard has reignited conversations about the legitimacy of the seniors’ tour and its financial structure.
A Performance That Raised Eyebrows
On February 14, Mike Balliet teed off at the Tiburon Golf Club in Florida, hoping to put together a respectable showing at the three-day event. However, his tournament quickly turned into a nightmare, ending with a staggering 65-over-par total of 258. His scorecard included 18 bogeys, 6 double bogeys, 2 triple bogeys, and 2 quadruple bogeys, leading to widespread criticism. Many golf fans took to social media, particularly under a tweet from Monday Q Info, to express their disbelief and frustration. One comment that resonated with many read: “The Champions Tour shouldn’t exist.”
While Balliet’s poor showing fueled immediate backlash, the conversation soon expanded to broader concerns about the senior circuit. Analysts from the Drop Zone Golf Podcast—James Colgan, Dylan Dethier, and Sean Zak—addressed the issue and went even further, suggesting that the entire Champions Tour should be abolished.
Should the Champions Tour Be Scrapped?
During their recent podcast discussion, the three analysts debated whether the PGA Tour should rethink its structure and reallocate funding elsewhere. When asked about ways to improve professional golf, Zak proposed an outright removal of the Champions Tour, arguing that its resources could be better utilized.
His reasoning? The financial disparities in professional golf, particularly between the LPGA Tour and the Champions Tour. He pointed out that retired players who had already earned substantial sums during their prime years were still competing for considerable prize money—despite playing shorter tournaments on easier courses with weaker competition.
Zak emphasized that instead of rewarding already-successful male golfers, the funds should be redirected to the LPGA Tour, where many players struggle financially unless they are among the top 100 in the world. He stated, “Push all that sponsorship money to the women’s game and the people who really deserve it. The best in the world should be able to earn a better living.”
Comparing Prize Money: Champions Tour vs. LPGA Tour
One of the core arguments for dismantling the Champions Tour revolves around the financial gap between it and the LPGA Tour.
LPGA Tour: The 2025 season features a record-high total purse of $131 million across 33 events, averaging $4 million per tournament. Major tournaments, such as the U.S. Women’s Open ($12 million) and the CME Group Tour Championship ($11 million), offer significant prize money.
Champions Tour: The senior circuit has a total purse of $69 million for 28 events, averaging $2.46 million per tournament. The biggest event, the U.S. Senior Open Championship, carries a $4 million purse—similar to a mid-tier LPGA event.
While the LPGA Tour boasts a higher overall prize pool, the Champions Tour features a smaller field of players, meaning the per-player earnings are relatively high. Additionally, LPGA events draw greater viewership than the senior circuit, further fueling arguments that women’s golf deserves a larger share of sponsorship money.
Would Redirecting Investment to the LPGA Help Women’s Golf?
Zak and others advocating for this shift believe that an increased investment in the LPGA Tour could significantly improve the sport. He noted that many elite female golfers retire early due to financial constraints, with few continuing their careers well into their 30s. Lydia Ko, for example, recently spoke about potentially stepping away from professional golf before turning 30, citing concerns about longevity and financial stability.
By diverting resources from the Champions Tour to the LPGA, supporters argue that more women’s golf events could be made lucrative, ensuring longer careers for top players like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and Jeeno Thitikul.
The Debate Continues
The discussion over the Champions Tour’s existence remains a hot topic among golf fans, analysts, and industry insiders. Some argue that the tour provides a valuable platform for legendary players to continue competing and entertaining fans, while others see it as an unnecessary drain on resources that could be better spent elevating women’s golf.
While there is no official move to shut down the Champions Tour, the growing conversation suggests that changes may be on the horizon. Whether that means increased investment in the LPGA, a restructuring of senior tour exemptions, or a complete overhaul of golf’s financial model remains to be seen.