19th Hole
McIlroy softens LIV stance: Saudi billions can ‘ultimately be a good thing’ for the sport
In what appears quite a turnaround, Rory McIlroy appears to have softened his stance on the row between the LIV Golf Series and the PGA and DP World tours, calling for talks between the warring sides.
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Not long ago, the 33-year-old called the LIV players “duplicitous” with reference to the way he saw them say one thing yet perform in another fashion, and has also been reported as falling out with former good friend Sergio Garcia with regard to the Spaniard’s outbursts against the more traditional tours.
Speaking to BBC NI, the four-time major winner said, “Look, there’s so much chat about where the money’s coming from and Saudi and everything else, look they sponsor so many other things and they’re all over sport.”
Acknowledging the Saudi money that has been invested into other sports, he continued, “Aramco are big sponsors of Formula One, the Aramco Ladies Series in golf, which has actually been really good for the ladies in terms of big prize funds and so on, so I understand people’s reservations with everything.”
While recognizing the potential benefits, he has some reservations.
“But at the same time, if these people are serious about investing billions of dollars into golf, I think ultimately that’s a good thing.
“But it has to be done the right way and I think if they were to invest, having it be invested inside the existing structures.
“And I think that’s the thing I have tried to advocate for the last few months, I think at this point if people are wanting to spend that much money into golf that’s wonderful, I just wish that we could have spent that much money within the structure that has existed for many decades in golf instead of being a big disruptor.”
The disruption Rory refers to has seemed to continue well into the week of the Scottish Open, a traditional warm-up event for the main event, and this week taking place with 14 of the top-15 in the world rankings teeing it up. Ironically the one player missing is the recent Canadian Open champion.
Earlier this week, confirmed LIV player Ian Poulter was the beneficiary of a hearing against the DP World Tour sanction that fined and banned LIV players from the event at The Renaissance Club this week, whilst Billy Horschel has come out with some strong anti-LIV rhetoric, telling players to be honest about why they have left the PGA Tour.
Recognized as a spokesman for the history of the sport, McIlroy continued.
“I wish it hadn’t have got that messy and in hindsight I think there were probably steps that were missed that wouldn’t have made it that messy,” he said.
“But I said this back at the very start in 2020, I think in the long term it will make the game better because I think it will force the tours to adapt and change and make the product better, and focus on maybe the fan engagement side of things and focus on maybe some stuff that they’ve been neglecting over the years.
“I think in the long term it will sort itself out, as everything else does, it will, and I think ultimately it will make the game, and the game of professional golf, a better place.”
In contrast to reports about the ill-feeling towards all those that have jumped ship, McIlroy states, “I think defection is a strong word. I understand why guys have went, especially the guys that are sort of in the latter stages of their career and if I was in their position, I’d seriously have to think about doing the same thing.
“It’s the younger guys to me that I find hard to understand because they’re losing years of their competitive career for monetary reasons. We all make decisions for different purposes. That’s fine. It’s different to what I’d do.
“Is there resentment? I played in Ryder Cup teams with these guys. Is there a difference of opinion? Yes. There is a difference of opinion and I would have done things differently.
“I think at this stage if you go and play on a different tour, then go and play on a different tour. I think having your cake and eating is the resentment that’s within the membership.
“Because there’s only 48 players on this tour, so not every so not everyone’s going to get an opportunity to go and play. You’re leaving all your peers behind to go and make money, which is fine.
“Just go over there, don’t try and come back and play over here again. That’s the tricky part and that’s where the resentment is coming from. For me, I don’t resent anyone. These guys are my friends, regardless of the decisions they make.”
The current world number 3 continues his preparation for next week’s historic 150th Open Championship, held at St. Andrews, the ‘Home of Golf’, and an event that he won in 2014 at Royal Liverpool.
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19th Hole
LET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
On Friday morning, Ladies European Tour player, Hannah Gregg, took to social media to share her weekly expenses playing on the LET.
Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour:
Flights: $2600
Work Visa: $350
Food: $377
Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé
Hotel: $0 because @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week! ?
Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car ??…— Hannah Gregg (@hannahbggg) April 26, 2024
“Expenses of my first week on Ladies European Tour: Flights: $2600 Work Visa: $350
- Food: $377
- Caddie: $0 because I have an amazing Fiancé
- Hotel: $0 because @GregChalmersPGA sorted me host housing for the week!
- Rental Car: +0 because the Tour Tee guys GAVE me their car
- Gas: $165
- Entry Fee: $130
- Lounge Pass for caddie: $50
- Gym: $0
- Yardage book: $0
- Total expenses: $3672
Made cut, finished 54th, total earned: $1244 Factor in 35% tax on earnings. To break even, needed to finish 24th. To make money, 21st. Guess we have our goals laid out for next event!”
When factoring in Gregg’s free housing, free caddie and free rental car, it’s evident that most LET players would have to finish well inside of the top-20 to make any money.
With ridiculous amounts of money being thrown around in professional golf these days, it’s important to remember the other side of the coin as well. There are countless professionals out there who struggle to get by on their golf salary.
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- 2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
- Edoardo Molinari reveals the latest PGA Tour golfer to turn down ‘good offer’ from LIV Golf
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19th Hole
54-hole golf tour deemed eligible for OWGR points…but it’s not LIV
After a seventeen-month application process, a 54-hole golf tour was deemed eligible for OWGR points.
Unfortunately, for LIV Golf and their fans, it was the Clutch Pro Tour.
After the decision, which is effective immediately, OWGR chairman Peter Dawson issued a statement.
“This is a significant milestone for golf, and OWGR is deeply encouraged by the achievement and the continued efforts in developing the sport of golf in the United Kingdom.”
“We look forward to watching the progress of the Clutch Pro Tour as it continues to play a key role in the development of players from the region,” Dawson added.
OWGR Announcement
Read more here – https://t.co/7J4bFpawqv#OWGR#OfficialWorldGolfRanking pic.twitter.com/ZfBJWCFAm8— OWGR (@OWGRltd) April 25, 2024
The Clutch Pro Tour operates in the United Kingdom and features a 36-hole cut. It also has an open qualifying school.
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19th Hole
Charlie Woods attempting to qualify for spot at 2024 U.S. Open
As first reported by Bob Harig of Sports Illustrated, Charlie Woods will be attempting to qualify for this year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
The first stage of qualifying for this year’s tournament will be an 18-hole local event on Thursday, April 25th, in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
There will be 84 players in the field, five of which will reach the 36-hole qualifier that will take place in June.
Earlier this season, Charlie attempted to qualify for the Cognizant Classic, and struggled, shooting an 86.
If the younger Woods is able to qualify, he will tee it up in the same field as his father in a few months at one of the more historic U.S. Open venues.
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