The world of professional golf is undergoing rapid, serious changes–for players and fans alike.
As previously reported in a related RedEye story, when the new golf tour, LIV, was introduced, it received mixed reactions. After a few years of being a new, exciting tour that brings in a different aspect of the play of golf, it is picking up more traction.
Players who were previously on the PGA Tour have now switched to LIV. Some of these players include 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm and 2022 Open champion Cameron Smith. Even players currently on the PGA Tour are now accepting the idea that LIV is a permanent part of the sport.
Rory McIlroy, who used to be an outspoken critic of LIV retracted his previous statements, saying, “I think, at this point, I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start, and I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realize that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods’ position.”
For reference, Tiger Woods has won 82 PGA Tour events, 15 major golf championships and 18 world golf championships. He is regarded as one of the greatest golfers of all time, having turned pro and been part of the PGA Tour since 1996. Some golfers–who have not been a part of the PGA Tour as long as Woods–have yet to claim a trophy.
In a way, the LIV Tour is more carefree, does not have certain restrictions on dress code and is a new, modern take on the traditional aspects of golf. One of the differences between the PGA Tour and the LIV Tour is that instead of playing 72 holes per tournament for a PGA Event, the LIV Tour only plays 54. This fact symbolizes the tour as the roman numeral ‘LIV’ means 54.
There are also no cuts on the LIV Tour, meaning a player does not have to go home for not reaching a certain number of strokes, typically below par. Shotgun starts, meaning all competing players begin play from a certain hole, is used in LIV. Whereas on the PGA Tour, all competing players begin to play on hole #1, or #10 if there have been delays (usually because of weather) within the four days of competition. LIV Tour competitions also feature a team aspect; there are 12 teams of four vying for a share of the prize money.
With under 15 scheduled events and large gaps between them, players are allowed more time to spend with family and friends. The LIV Tour also features a huge payout for all those participating, not just for the winner or those players in the top ten.
These features have, are, and will, more than likely, continue to attract many players from the PGA Tour. Those who have yet to win and do not want to stall or even end their golfing career, look to the LIV Tour as a way to keep their careers and success going.
However, not all golfers are still on board with LIV. There has also been talk of whether or not LIV players should be allowed to rejoin the PGA Tour to compete in some of the high-profile tournaments.
Louisville native, Justin Thomas, who played golf at his alma mater, St. Xavier High School, has been a critic of the LIV Tour from the very beginning. This past February, he said, “I’m not necessarily super adamant one way or the other….I want the best product and the best players. I would say that there’s a handful of players on LIV that would make the Tour a better place, but I’m definitely not in the agreement that they should just be able to come back that easily.”
Current world number one, Scottie Scheffler and 2022 and 2024 Masters Champion has similar views with Thomas saying, “Everybody made their own decision, and I have no bad blood towards the guys that left. But a path towards coming back, I think it wouldn’t be a very popular decision, I think, if they just came back like nothing ever happened. I think there should be a pathway back for them, but they definitely shouldn’t be able to come back without any sort of contribution to the tour, if that makes sense.”
However, in times of controversy and speculation, there are some aspects of professional golf that have not changed. Golf fans eagerly come out for any and every PGA Tour tournament, especially the Waste Management Open held in Phoenix, Arizona in early February.
The tournament is “known for its party-first, golf-second atmosphere.” This year was no different. It was even more hectic and party-filled than some of the previous tournaments. Some of the players in the competition, like Zach Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Billy Horschel began to get frustrated with fans, getting into heated exchanges.
Scottsdale police also reported 54 arrests, a record 211 fans kicked out and 73 people removed for trespassing. Alcoholic and food sales were even cut off and overcrowding was a big issue. In all the chaos, a winner was still crowned (Nick Taylor), but it also sparked talk of new changes and regulations for next year’s tournament.
The world of professional golf also gained some traction with those who are not even interested in the sport. Released a little over a year ago on February 15, Netflix premiered the golf sports documentary “Full Swing.” The series features a glimpse into the lives of some of the top-ranked professional golfers and even into the tensions and controversies between the PGA Tour and the LIV Tour. The series was renewed for a season two shortly after its premiere, which happened to be released earlier this month on March 6.
Professional golf is coming even closer to home for most Louisvillians, too. The 2024 PGA Championship is being held at Valhalla Golf Club from May 16 to May 19. Designed by renowned golfer, Jack Nicklaus, Valhalla is off of Shelbyville Road near Middletown.
Also, from July 11 to July 14 is the Kentucky Championships, previously known as the Barbasol Championship, in Nicholasville, which is just outside of Lexington. Though not as attractive as the PGA Championship is, the Kentucky Championships at Keene Trace Golf Club still offers players on the tour a challenge.
Though golf may appear to be a boring sport, where people just drive, chip and putt, the physical and mental aspects and challenges can add up over time. Players’ resilience, focus and charisma are impressive as golf can be a tiresome, individualistic sport. Scottie Scheffler even said following his 2024 Masters win, “I feel like playing professional golf is an endlessly not-satisfying career…..For instance, in my head, all I can think about right now is getting home. I’m not thinking about the tournament. I’m not thinking about the green jacket.”
Though the sport may be under scrutiny and be slightly unstable, golf is here to stay.
However, who’s to say what aspects of the professional world of golf might change even more in the upcoming years….?
