The price of beer, and not gas, have golf fans fired up and players bemused at the US PGA Championship in Oklahoma.
With a can of suds going for $US18 ($A26), world No.9 Justin Thomas wondered if at that price it cured cancer.
With a gallon of gas in Tulsa hovering around $US4, getting to Southern Hills Country Club won’t be nearly as costly for most fans as buying a round of beers or even water which is going for $US6 a bottle.
The sky-high prices even caught the attention of multi-millionaire golfers.
Thomas, who has career earnings of over $US47 million ($A67m), took to social media to express his shock.
“$18 for a freakin beer??????” Thomas posted on Instagram.
“Does it cure cancer or something!!????”
The beer might not cure cancer but at current prices may cure a hangover with only spectators with deep pockets able to over-indulge.
Certainly the cost will cut down on action at the 19th hole.
A 24-ounce can on course is going for $US18, or about the same price as an 18-pack at a local Tulsa grocery store. For $US19, fans can upgrade to a premium brand.
“I just saw it and I was blown away,” Thomas, explaining his post to reporters, said.
“It’s just a bummer. You want people to come to the tournament. If I’m on the fence and I’m looking at the concession stand, that’s not the greatest thing.
“I was just blown away because I’ve never seen a beer (can cost) $18 or $19 in my life.”
Even fun-loving Australians, who are well known for their fondness for a pint, were left gobsmacked. Cameron Smith said he doubted he would be lining up at the concession stand.
“If I had to buy a shout of beers … I probably wouldn’t pay 20 bucks for a beer personally,” pondered Smith, winner of the Players Championship and nearly $US7 million this season.
If Thomas and Smith were surprised by the price tag, then they have not been to a Super Bowl or Lady Gaga concert lately where alcoholic beverages routinely run into the high double-digits.
The PGA of America defended the pricing saying it was in line with those other events.
Grounds tickets for Monday to Wednesday practice rounds cost $US25 to $US45. The price jumps to $US195 ($A277) for Thursday’s opening round but includes food and non-alcoholic beverages from concession stands.
That of course does not include beer.
“We also have a new ticketing pricing offer for all the spectators this year, which includes basically as much food and non-alcoholic beverage as they want included in the price,” explained Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America’s Chief Championships officer.
“The pricing of the product is sort of comparable to stadium events.”
Brooks Koepka, PGA Championship winner in 2018 and 2019, also had no major issue with the prices taking a more practical view.
“I mean, it’s bigger than the normal 12 ounces, 16 ounces,” said Koepka.
“You drink enough, you’ll be fine.”
John66
Roar Rookie
Finally, an article about the PGA Championship that isn’t talking about Phil not playing. The reality that this article isn’t about the contenders, the layout or the spectacle we could possibly see, is evidence to me that there is very little about the US tour that is worth watching. The year’s 2nd major and beer price is most alluring content for a media article. One other article I can find is about the glamour group of Tiger, Rory and Jordan Spieth. A bloke on 1 leg, who faded badly in his last start, after the first 2 rounds took too much out of him. Another bloke who hasn’t won major since 2014 and carries the biggest monkey in world golf on his back. The third hasn’t won a major since 2015 and currently ranks 175th on the tour’s putting stats. Names and names alone. The only thing the US events, The Master excepted, ever have. They have allowed the game to be out of control with too much focus on length and not enough respect for actual good driving. Was watching the YouTube video of the final round of the 1967 US Open and the commentary included an explanation of the number and role of the dimples on a golf ball followed by praise for the golf authorities for limiting ball speed, to protect the integrity and challenges of the great golf courses. How times have changed …