Some time ago social media started burning up when someone complained about doubles prize money. Curious, I went to the home page on the tournament website and the rules of prize payout were posted. Here is my thought on that.
1. I cannot get this out of my head. When I was a top open player I always entered a tournament for the competition and not necessarily the prize money. When I did enter for prize money in one era of my life, I knew the rules beforehand. If I was not paid the full amount, I got it(meaning I understood beforehand). Luckily I played in an era where the draws were usually full.
2. Now if I was in charge of said tournament or tournaments I would rather lose money and payout than save a few dollars and lose the good will of the players. In fact, this has happened to me where I barely broke even or lost money in events such as shootouts and racquetball camps.
3. Think of a tournament as a party and you are the hostess or host. You want people to come back to your party. That is more important than the bottom line some years. Eventually you will make money but if you skimp on prizes you will always lose. Your tournament image will be forever altered.
4. (On the other hand) Whatever happened to playing for competition? I get a kick out of the big fish in small pond syndrome. Go out and swim in the big river. If money is your thing, instead of looking for easy money improve your game! The ironic thing is I know some of the local legends and in fact coached some of them. They are all good enough to compete at the highest level if they wanted to put in the extra effort (or if they had the time to-I want to be clear that putting the time in to improve is not always within one’s control!)
Ok-now go get’em tigers!!