Could LIV controversy have something to say about tournament income for pro golfers?
LIV vs. PGA
It had to happen.
Both the LIV and PGA have been on a collision course, yet each has something positive to contribute to professional golf.
While the PGA requires aspiring golfers to graduate from qualifying school, pay tournament entrance fees and survive the cut in hopes of earning money to sustain a living, not so with the LIV.
Moreover, aspiring PGA golfers have to pay their own way to and from these events, footing the bills for travel, lodging for themselves, caddies and often their family. If they don’t make the cut, it’s all for naught. Who knows how many talented golfers might’ve made the tour if they could have afforded those initial years.
In the world of sports, but for professional golfers and tennis players who have to win in order to make any money, professional baseball, football, basketball, hockey players and others are guaranteed millions of dollars a year in salary, whether they play, win or not.
Maybe it’s time the PGA considers a sliding scale annual income for its golfers to be competitive.
Al Emanuelli, Hilton Head Island
Pull from district offices
The teacher shortage in our nation has gone on far too long and it is hurting the quality of our
children’s education and the eventual quality of our workforce.
I have heard of some schools requiring their principals and assistant principals to teach classes while trying to continue to perform their already overburdened administrative duties. I have also heard about hiring college students and unqualified adults to step in. This is unacceptable.
I suggest school districts trim the size of their district office administration personnel by pulling the former teachers they have and putting them back into the classroom where they are desperately needed.
Now, if that sounds like a demotion, then we need to talk about this nation’s need to give classroom teachers the salary, respect and dignity they deserve.
We can have that discussion next, but, for now, use the qualified educators already present in the district offices to fill the void and replace them with people outside of education.
Jeanette Payton, M.A., Blythewood
Economics and abortion
Abortion is an emotionally volatile topic, but let’s remove the emotion and look at the economic facts surrounding the issue.
In studies made when abortion was widely illegal (pre-1973), women suffered more unemployment, debt and public program participation. Denied access to abortion, women – and their children -- were four times more likely to live in poverty five years later, resulting in additional economic impacts.
In contrast, increased access to abortion starting in 1973 had a positive impact on women’s economic outcomes. Women with greater reproductive choice have consistently had higher rates of employment and are more likely to work full time.
Recent data shows that 70% of women -- and 59% of men – in the 18-44 age group would be disinclined to take a job in a state that restricts access to abortion.
South Carolina currently has a severe shortage of workers. Proposed restrictive abortion laws will further exacerbate that situation. Can South Carolina afford to alienate a vital segment of workers? Can we risk discouraging businesses from settling here?
Still, it appears that nothing will stand in the way of our legislators’ determination to ban abortion in the state – economic facts be damned.
Paula Smith, Bluffton
Keeping it in the fairway
I think it wonderful that the CPAC had the opportunity to have Viktor Urban speak at their convention in Dallas.
It’s just a pity that Adolph and Benito are dead. They would have made notable keynote speakers at the convention.
I only feel sad that so many people died protecting this country from these fascists. Now we invite them to our political rallies.
I wonder how good a golfer Adolph was? Maybe he could have played a round with Donald and Tucker at Bedminster.
Lester Willner, Hilton Head
