Bleacher Report has been all in on promoting the Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson showdown (and who can blame them), but not everyone was thrilled with the over-the-top photo of Mickelson and Woods standing over huge stacks of (fake) cash.
Nick Faldo, referencing his career in the booth, was surprised at how often the total purse was being mentioned.
For all the 14 years of my TV career it’s been so heavily frowned upon to mention prize money…now this?! @PGATOUR #I’mconfused https://t.co/SfluARoIhE
— Sir Nick Faldo (@NickFaldo006) November 22, 2018
That well-circulated photo also led to British pro Eddie Pepperell voicing his displeasure with the entire event.
Pepperell, the 38th-ranked player in the world, quote tweeted the photo of Mickelson and Woods and said, “This is indeed everything golf shouldn’t be doing right now. One man earning $9 million isn’t attractive. This putrid attempt at attention will turn out to be futile for everyone. Pathetic.”
Coming away from my Twitter ban just to take Georgie’s point further and conclude that this is indeed everything golf shouldn’t be doing right now. One man earning $9 Million isn’t attractive. This putrid attempt at attention will turn out to be futile for everyone. Pathetic. https://t.co/dTf3B4mimg
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) November 22, 2018
People saying it’s for charity… Didn’t know that if it’s the case. Will leave original tweet up in case it’s not for charity. (My understanding were side bets charity)
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) November 22, 2018
Pepperell, along with former pro and current analyst Steve Flesch, also have ideas of where that money could go.
I think whoever wins between Tiger and Phil should put the $9 Million towards America’s National Debt so it comes down to $21,777,841,457,810. (at time of writing)
— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) November 22, 2018
The money is much better served going to charity or wildfire relief in Cali. They should make a designation on the last green to where it’s going, and not to their bank accounts where it’s not needed. https://t.co/agQ4dhPz3R
— InTheFlesch (@Steve_Flesch) November 22, 2018
The $9 million is being put up by sponsors, but the side bets Mickelson and Woods plan to wager throughout the round — one for $200k has already been placed on the first hole — will come from their own pocket. Mickelson and Woods have previously stated some money will be donated toward charities, although it’s unclear how much.
Either way, it’s safe to say Pepperell won’t be tuning in.
https://twitter.com/PepperellEddie/status/1065598261094830080
