The Golf establishment is still redefining itself 12 months after the emergence of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit shook the global game and pitted longtime friends and colleagues against each other.
Tiger Woods, who has stepped down on both the US PGA Tour and DP World Tour, said the circuit was looking for the best way to engage fans, honor history and reward players in golf’s changing landscape.
“If you go back to this week at Genesis last year to where it is now, we all have to say it’s very exciting,” Woods said Tuesday as he prepared to play in the Genesis Invitational at the Riviera Country Club.
“We would never expect the game of golf to be in this state, but this is the reality.”
Claims and restrictions
These facts include repeated lawsuits, a ban on LIV Golf players participating in the PGA Tour – and a similar suspension of the DP World Tour being thwarted in court.
In the year since Phil Mickelson announced that LIV Golf offers the opportunity to “reshape” how the PGA Tour does business, significant changes have been made, especially the addition of designated events where the best players must play and carry an increased purse. – including this week’s $20 million prize money.
With other changes reported, including creating a no-cut event on the PGA Tour, Woods said many options are being discussed.
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“We are in the process of figuring all that out and it’s been a variety of different models, different opinions, try to figure out what is the best product and competitive environment and what we should do going forward,” said Woods.
“Yes, the field is limited, how many are there? cuts? Yes no. What are the numbers, what do we want to do. How many players played in the show? Okay, what’s the ability to enter the designated event?”
LIV Golf’s limited field with no cut is a major blow to golf traditionalists, who fear it will reduce competitiveness and limit opportunities for golfers to move up the ranks.
Woods admitted that the debate has been “difficult” but necessary because “we’re trying to create the best product that we think (is) the future of golf, how it’s played.”
Difficult dinner?
Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, who regained the world number one ranking with victory at the Phoenix Open on Friday, said even the introduction of some limited-field events would provide opportunities for newcomers and mid-range tour pros.
“If we move to a smaller field, it won’t be an inaccessible event,” Scheffler said. “Just because you go down from 120 guys, let’s say you go to 70, there’s still a way for people to get into the tournament. The eligibility to go to the event is still going to reward good golf.
In the midst of change, and with LIV Golf lobbying strenuously for the recognition of the world rankings as it prepares to kick off the second season, Scheffler may find himself in the middle of tension when the hosts of the annual Masters championship dinner in April.
Woods, who has hosted five championship dinners, said he had no idea what it would be like for LIV golfers and PGA Tour supporters to come together.
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“I know that some of our friendships will definitely take different paths, but we’ll see how things unfold,” Woods said, adding that he hopes past champions will “respect Scottie.”
Scheffler, who said he hasn’t finalized the evening’s menu, hopes friendship will carry the day.
“Getting all those guys together in a room, I mean, it’s got to be fun,” he said. “It’s a historic group of people, Masters champions, and I’m sure we can all put our personal opinions aside and just enjoy the night and enjoy what this night is all about.”