The most interesting facet arising this week from the battle of the PGA Tour (in Texas) vs. LIV Golf (in Orlando) is whether the LIV guys make a huge dent in the TV ratings, since it has been widely reported that so far they have been dismal.

    A close look at the respective leaderboards heading into today's finales may be able to help predict the answer. PGA Tour's No. 1 is Patrick Rodgers at 12 under, followed by Corey Conners at 11 under, Matt Kuchar at 9 under and Harry Higgs, Sam Stevens and Chris Kirk at 8 under. Other than Kuchar, not exactly a list of marquee players. 

    In Orlando, it's popular Gator Brooks Koepka in front at 12 under, with Sebastian Munoz at 9, Patrick Reed one of three at 8 and Dustin Johnson lurking a little further back at 5 under. Brooks and his Smash partners (Chase Koepka, Jason Kokrak and Matthew Wolff) are also leading the team event at 26 under. (Ocala's Louis Oosthuizen is tied for 33rd at 2 under). 

    The galleries at Orange County National, just an hour south of Ocala, appear to be twice the size of those at last week's televised LIV event in Tucson. 

    This could be a life-changing week for the LIVs. By the way, having David Feherty in the broadcasting booth doesn't hurt. 

 

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