It's expensive to send players all the way from Philippines, just for one event, even if it is a big event that all the Filipino players love.
In the Philippines there is more tournaments than ever before that pays $ 5000 - $ 10000, plus $ 1000 action each night, and a trip for one player to the US Open might cost like $ 3000 - $ 3500 with flightticket, transportation, hotel, entry and food. (Just guessing on the amount)
That means that they have to finish 7th to perhaps break even. Last year 7th paid $ 4000. After tax (33 %) it is $ 2700.
I don't think it makes it better that US Open cut the winnings for 2nd place from $ 25 000 as advertised to $ 20 000 when the event finished, a couple of years ago. Alcano traveled to play based on what is advertised prize money, and was surprised when he received $ 5000 less. I know other players have also complained about the cut in prize money that year, for example Markus Juva from Finland, who posts here on this forum. He cashed in the event, and was surprised too..
It isn't actually helping, imo, what is going on in Galveston right now.
Yes, Galveston has many tournaments, nice venue, pays out a lot, and is adding over $ 80 000 to this great event.
But it is not what they advertised and said they would do.
They advertised large amounts for first prize, and that they would pay that even if only 2 players competed. Atleast that is what they told people, because that is what was posted in threads here on AZ. I might search for that info if necessary.
Now the Filipinos are in Galveston with 12-13 players, and the prize money has been cut drastically. I believe that it doesn't make them more excited about making those long and expensive trips to the States, when promoters seems to be able to do whatever they want with the advertised prize funds...
In the end I will not be surprised if Alcano, Orcullo, Bustamante, Van Corteza etc. will play in the US Open again this year, and I sure do hope they will, but I can understand it if they choose to save the money and focus on tournaments in Asia instead.
JMHO