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Since 1974, it has been my good fortune to see each of the Players’ championships but two, getting to Ponte Vedra becoming a challenge to manage with other priorities on the schedule.

With the tournament moving to May, it did not fit. To begin with, it was too hot even though it gets much hotter in North Florida in the summer months. Even with ideal weather the championship played in May just didn’t “feel” right.

There were other reasons why the fan base did not enjoy the Players in May, and it was a welcomed decision when it returned to its traditional March dates. It has never been better received by area golf fans than this year.

While I was not on the grounds, I am sure that the LIV Tour had to be smarting from the success of the PGA Tour which was its old dominant self.

It was a terrific tournament to watch. The golf course gleamed in the bright sunshine, the crowds were overwhelming and enthusiastic. The competition reminded you of one of those scintillating Sunday finishes we often get at the Masters.

Perhaps the PGA Tour can’t provide that every weekend, but whatever it offers is a heck of a lot better than whopping gobs of guaranteed money, 54 holes of lackluster competition and competitors playing in shorts.

The LIV tour is way ahead of the PGA Tour when it comes to gimmickry, but for the best in golf, this year at Ponte Vedra was as good as it gets.