Trouble. A lot of trouble. That’s exactly how things are shaping up in the world of professional golf. The PGA Tour’s recent actions are a prime example – they’ve been allegedly threatening creators involved with LIV Golf’s “The Duels” with potential future suspensions if they participate in the unsanctioned event. Many believe it’s a move that reeks of desperation and control, and it’s not sitting well with many in the golf community.
But that’s not all – the PGA Tour’s attempts to exert control over the narrative extend far beyond just threatening creators. They’ve also been busy building partnerships with independent media and influencer outlets, which raises serious questions about the integrity of golf journalism. When allegedly independent media outlets have significant financial partnerships with the organizations they’re supposed to be covering, it’s a recipe for disaster.
Netizens are saying that the lines between journalism and marketing become blurred, and the public is left wondering what’s real and what’s just spin. Fans are now raising their voices in protest, refusing to stand idly by as the sport they love is manipulated for financial gain.
The PGA Tour reached out to creators involved with LIV Golf’s “The Duels” and threatened them with potential future suspensions if they participated in the unsanctioned event, inline with the rules for non members who play full LIV Golf League tournaments. The creators pushed… https://t.co/EDffD8jvxQ
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) March 31, 2025
Social media is filled with criticism and outrage, with fans calling out the PGA Tour for its heavy-handed tactics and lack of transparency so let’s see what they have to say.
Netizens bash the PGA Tour in the comments
Starting off strong with what one fan said, “It is a bad look. It’s frankly, embarrassing,” while the other said, “Beyond f**king ridiculous from the Tour if true.” Well, the news won’t be surprising if it’s true, considering the new updates on the merger, or lack thereof, between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Talks have been ongoing since June 2023, when the PGA Tour and DP World Tour agreed to a merger with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which funds LIV Golf. Recently, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, player director Adam Scott, and 15-time major winner Tiger Woods met with President Donald Trump and PIF’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the White House, where they discussed the reunification of golf.
According to a statement, the meeting was “constructive” and they’re committed to moving forward quickly. Woods expressed optimism that the split in men’s golf would “heal quickly” with Trump’s involvement, while Rory McIlroy believes Trump is “on the PGA Tour’s side” in the dispute with LIV Golf. However, the merger talks have reportedly hit a snag, with the two sides struggling to agree on the future of team golf, which is a key aspect of LIV Golf’s model
One fan quipped, “And this is why people hate the Tour as an organization. They are desperate and toxic”, while the other said, “This would be absurd honestly.” While the latest move by the PGA Tour is considerably alarming, LIV Golf has also aimed its arrows at the tour every now and then, with the latest example being its decision to schedule its final three events on the same weeks as the FedEx Cup playoffs, a move that analyst Rex Hoggard describes as “fascinating” and potentially provocative, implying that LIV Golf is “kicking sand in the PGA Tour’s eye.”
This bold move comes after a year of optimism following the June 2023 framework agreement, which seemed to signal a determination to end golf’s civil war, with reports even suggesting that PIF would buy an 11% stake in the PGA Tour, although nothing has been announced since. One fan simply said, “This is not surprising”, and well it certainly is not considering the rivalry between the two parties. But what do you think about the whole situation? Let us know in the comment section below!
The post PGA Tour’s Alleged Attempt to Sabotage Phil Mickelson & Other LIV Pros Has Golf World Up in Arms: ‘Desperate & Toxic’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
