Maybe its like this?
WGT keep jacking up the prices.
WGT make it harder to earn credits, almost impossible.
WGT make it so only those with the most credits have a chance to win.
WGT get rid of the cards.
WGT drive the members who are non profitable away.
WGT sells to the Golf Channel.
Golf Channel gets a new toy, with inflated prices, and only members who can pay to play.
A very good bit of business for both parties in my book, but at the expense of the customers. It seems a bit strange that the affiliation comes up on the same day as these mad increases.