Justin Thomas Pleads with Fellow Players to Fix the PGA TOUR with These Moves

Professional golf is at a very strange place currently as money has never been higher but viewership has never been lower. Year over year, we are seeing drastic decreases in PGA TOUR viewership and ratings. It’s something that many media forms are seeing as short-form content continues to be a priority for those who watch.

There seems to be an inflection point that has reached Justin Thomas, who recently wrote a letter to fellow PGA TOUR players, suggesting they can help ratings and the overall viewership experience of the game with a few small but new changes that would require some “uncomfortable” moments from golfers.

Justin Thomas just sent this memo to PGA Tour members, obtained by @TheAthletic, about the importance of players being open and accessible to the tour’s TV partners: NBC, CBS and ESPN.

“I’m sure many of us feel the telecasts can be better, so let’s help them do that.” pic.twitter.com/QnTgHrqPzb

— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) January 21, 2025

These include being more available to media, Thomas said in the lengthy letter, which suggested things like “pre-round interviews, mid-round interviews, wearing a mic, communication of any equipment/swing changes you’re working on with broadcasters, etc.”

Thomas continued by saying he believes these changes would help bring younger fans and grow more attracted to the game.

He wrote:

“Our Fan Forward research shows that ‘on-course personality’ is the highest ranked driver of interest for young fans (18-34). Getting the younger age group interested and watching our sport could be a huge difference in our popularity.”

Thomas then went on to suggest that golfers “shouldn’t be who they aren’t” but to be “open to possibilities and changes.”

Having players be more interactive with fans could be a substantial difference maker in things moving forward for the sport. Something has to change, and it could be the need for a polarizing and controversial figure in the game that has a personality that is larger than life.

Cover Image via Reuters