If a PGA Tour pro wanted to play all five events from the second week of October to the first week in November, that itinerary would require just north of 15,000 miles of travel, according to Google Earth.
Of course, no player is required to enter all of those events, but the potential travel headache of doing so — especially with the way things are going this summer — has two-time PGA Tour winner James Hahn wondering why the schedule is built that way at all.
“Take a look at the new PGA Tour schedule and you’ll understand why players are upset,” Hahn tweeted Monday afternoon, just minutes after the Tour released the 2022-23 lineup. “Vegas to Japan to South Carolina to Bermuda to Mexico? For the viewers, it’s a flick of a remote. For us, it’s 20 hour travel days and tens of thousands of dollars in expenses.”
Hahn, who serves as a player director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, said he’s currently playing his seventh tournament in a row. The start of next week’s Fedex Cup Playoffs, which Hahn looks to make at No. 115 in the standings, will make it eight in a row.
“Won’t see my family for a month,” Hahn replied to another Twitter user. “Will miss taking my daughter to her first day of school. The sacrifices I make to be the 236th best golf (sic) in the world.
“Do you see the hypocrisy. Players are leaving the Tour because they want to spend more time with their families among other things. But when I address our scheduling issue, it’s considered whining and insignificant. Can’t win with you guys.”
Of course, the Tour schedule has come under increased scrutiny with the growth of LIV Golf, with many players citing the taxing travel schedule on the PGA Tour among the reasons they decided to leave for the upstart league.
“I’ve been on the road since 1998. It’s like winning the lottery for me,” said Pat Perez, who added that he missed the birth of his child due to his PGA Tour travels. “I’ll have to explain that to him someday why I wasn’t there.”
In another tweet, Hahn suggested only playing events in major cities, such as those with NFL teams.
Hahn’s rant generated hundreds of replies, including one from Scottie Scheffler’s caddie Ted Scott.
“Change your mindset pro,” Scott said. “Most people have a tough gig in this life. We ain’t them. It’s a game that provides a living for us. Soak it up man. Be grateful.”
Evidently, Hahn will have plenty of time to reflect on his gratitude on his way to Greensboro for this week’s Wyndham Championship. Hopefully from the comfort of a window seat.