Weather Contrast and Tour Dynamics
FARGO — On Friday, Fargo is projected to reach a high of 14 below, but Tom Hoge will be competing at The American Express tournament in La Quinta, California, where temperatures are in the 70s. This stark difference in weather reflects the ongoing tensions between the PGA and LIV tours.
A Shift in Tournament Participation
Although the situation has cooled somewhat, particularly with Brooks Koepka’s return from LIV to the PGA, remnants of conflict remain. Hoge, a Fargo South graduate, expresses contentment with his decision to stay with the PGA Tour.
Benefits of the LIV Tour’s Influence
In an interview with sportscaster Trey Wingo, Hoge mentioned that he has significantly benefited from the departures of PGA players to the lucrative LIV Tour. This shift opened up opportunities for him in higher-stakes signature events, which he capitalized on.
Financial Growth and Career Achievements
“I would say nobody’s benefited more financially than I have because I’ve played well in some of those events and have been in all of them,” he told Wingo. Hoge, currently in his 12th full season, has participated in 316 tournaments and earned $25.2 million according to PGA Tour stats. He attributes part of his success to the absence of top players from LIV in weekly competitions.
Early Career and Decision on LIV
Hoge was offered a four-year contract from LIV in 2022, which he declined, revealing it was for more than his then-career earnings of around $12 million. Since then, he has doubled his earnings, largely due to increased purses from the PGA Tour in response to LIV’s influence.
Maintaining Focus Amid Changes
Hoge has achieved 18 top-10 finishes since the emergence of LIV, contributing to a profitable career even before the LIV’s arrival. His consistent performance and choice to remain with the PGA have clearly paid off. He acknowledged that LIV has changed the landscape of golf, saying, “I just try to keep my head down and keep playing.”
Current Performance and Future Outlook
Last weekend, he finished tied for 40th in the season opener at the Sony Open in Hawaii. In The American Express tournament, he started strong with a 6-under 30 on the first nine holes, entering the second round tied for 12th at 8-under. Reflecting on his journey, Hoge began on the Korn Ferry Tour and has progressed significantly, marking a notable transformation from just holding his PGA Tour card to competing in prestigious events.
