Martin Slumbers, the outgoing CEO of the R&A, has issued a stark warning about the financial sustainability of professional golf. In a recent interview, Slumbers highlighted the risks posed by the surging prize money and commercial pressures within the sport. He suggested that the current trajectory is “unsustainable” and could lead to long-term instability in the professional game.
Slumbers, who has led the R&A for nearly a decade, will step down at the end of 2024. During his tenure, he introduced several reforms, including the modernization of golf rules, the World Handicap System, and efforts to make golf more inclusive. However, he noted that escalating costs and financial competition, especially with the rise of alternative circuits like LIV Golf, are creating challenges that require industry-wide collaboration to address.
Slumbers also emphasized the importance of balancing tradition with innovation to maintain golf’s integrity while adapting to a changing sports landscape. He will oversee key events like the 2024 Open Championship before his departure.
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