Rejigged calendar renders US PGA Championship less august than ever

“G lory’s last shot” was never the most imaginative of marketing slogans but the US PGA Championship in August at least had an unmistakable identity. Golfers who had failed to make an impact at the Masters, US Open or Open had a redemption opportunity as autumn lurked.

Those responsible for scheduling men’s golf have never had it so tough. The reintroduction of this sport to the Olympics added congestion which was eased slightly by the moving of this major to May. When there is not a Ryder Cup, there is a Presidents Cup.

The PGA Tour wants full focus on its FedEx Cup playoff events, which conclude in Atlanta in late August. Umpteen standard PGA Tour stops have been raised in status in a bid to prevent players from accepting the riches of LIV.

The DP World Tour, anxious not to be viewed as a poor relation of a strategic alliance with the PGA Tour, will announce its 2024 calendar at the Scottish Open.

It is understood plans there include the shifting of the Abu Dhabi Championship from January to November, before the Race to Dubai concludes, and the introduction of a new invitational tournament in the Middle East to start the year. It would be no surprise to see the Indian Open, backed by a key sponsor in Hero, given enhanced status.

It is the majors, though, that define careers. The problem is that those tournaments feel as if they come and go with the speed of a Bryson DeChambeau swing. This is great for hot players but the benefits end there.

The Masters concluded on 9 April. When this, the 105th US PGA Championship, finishes there will be just 24 spare days until the US Open tees off at the LA Country Club. July’s Open Championship has a problem of its own, given the clash with the fourth Ashes Test will split