You know, there’s been a lot of speculation lately about whether LIV Golf defectors might return to the PGA Tour if a deal is reached with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Rory McIlroy has been vocal about his hopes that PGA Tour players will eventually come around to see that it’s best for the sport if the top players compete on one tour.
But not everyone is on board with letting LIV defectors return without some kind of penalty. Some PGA Tour players have been resistant to the idea, but McIlroy makes a good point that having all the top stars on one tour increases the value of the business, which in turn increases the value of players’ shares. It’s worth noting that the PGA of America has already confirmed that golfers who play in the LIV Golf League are eligible for the Ryder Cup and PGA Championship. Additionally, they have also gained access to take part in The Open and US Open this year. So, it seems like the door is open for Bryson DeChambeau and co. to return, but the question is, do they even want to?
Josh Carpenter recently discussed this topic on the YouTube show 5 Clubs, and he made an interesting point about the lack of input from LIV golfers. “We don’t hear a lot from Liv players… the only thing you might hear from Liv players these days is them saying we don’t care about going back to the PGA Tour.” That raises some questions about whether LIV golfers are even interested in returning to the PGA Tour.
Carpenter also discussed the potential motives behind the PGA Tour’s attempts to merge with LIV Golf, suggesting that the tour may have “slow played LIV to where now some of these contracts are coming due and maybe some of these guys have raked in a big check and it’s like okay now, I can come back and I’ve got the bag.” This statement highlights the potential financial implications of the merger and how it may affect LIV golfers’ decisions to return to the PGA Tour.
Additionally, he noted that some players, like Dustin Johnson and Sergio Garcia, don’t seem eager to return to the PGA Tour but are excited about the merger, saying “I don’t get the sense that Dustin Johnson is itching to come play on the tour… or that Sergio Garcia is beating down the door trying to get back on the PGA tour.” This observation raises questions about the level of commitment from LIV golfers to rejoin the PGA Tour.
Carpenter also emphasized the differences in the level of control and investment between LIV and PGA Tour golfers, saying “If this is not making it abundantly clear that the players who play on LIV are employees, and that the players on the PGA Tour, I think, have more voice… and more skin in the game than maybe they ever have, led by Tiger Woods.” He questioned the PGA Tour’s motives, asking “Why is the PGA Tour even doing this? Why do you feel the necessity to even need them?”
Golf – The Masters – Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. – April 11, 2024 Dustin Johnson of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd on the 2nd hole during the first round REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
As Carpenter already mentioned, Dustin Johnson is indeed excited about the merger but not for the reason you might think.
Dustin Johnson’s future plans
Dustin Johnson, the former World No. 1, is feeling optimistic about his future in golf. Despite his major form taking a hit since joining LIV Golf, Johnson is confident that he can still win more majors. “I feel like I’ve got a good five years left in me,” he says. “Five years where I can still really grind away… I can win more majors, I’m 100 percent sure of that.” Johnson has had his fair share of close calls in majors, including a heartbreaking loss at the 2010 US Open and a missed opportunity at the 2015 US Open.
“I love it,” Johnson says about playing in LIV Golf. “I’ve played new golf courses I’ve never seen before… With the quality of players on the tour, LIV is very competitive and you have to play unbelievably well to win.” Despite his focus on LIV Golf, Johnson admits that he misses playing certain events and hopes that a deal can be worked out between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. “It would be good for the game if we could all play together a few more times a year,” he says. With rumors of a potential merger or partnership between the two, Johnson’s wish may come true sooner rather than later.
The post ‘We Don’t Care’: Fingers Pointed at Bryson DeChambeau & Co. as Their Dismissive Stance on PGA Tour Return Comes to Light appeared first on EssentiallySports.
