PGA Tour superstar Collin Morikawa, a two-time major champion, criticized professional golf's television product during a press conference Tuesday. Morikawa believes the PGA Tour's commercial-heavy TV broadcasts hurt not only casual viewing interest, but also sports betting interest in the sport.'
“I turn on golf on a Thursday if I play early … and I see three golf shots,” Morikawa said. “I question why. The reason why other sports people pay attention is because you can see more. You can probably bet more. People like betting when you can watch it live, not watch it on shot tracer.”
In recent years, the PGA Tour has leaned into sports betting as a way to attract and retain viewers. The Tour has marketing partnerships with numerous betting apps, including BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel. The PGA Tour also has a notable betting presence in multiple states.'
Arizona's sports betting market is no stranger to DraftKings, as a DraftKings sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale recently opened. FanDuel gained market access to mobile sports betting in North Carolina through a relationship with the PGA Tour.'