Nearly a year after the announcement that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf would merge, pro golf is in a confusing place. The tours are still grappling with the consequences of this fracture, and the defending Masters champion, Rory McIlroy, finds himself on the LIV side of golf. McIlroy, currently ranked as the world’s number 2 golfer, has expressed his thoughts and concerns about the split. He questions how the division between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf benefits the game in the long run. It seems that not only McIlroy, but LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and Bryson DeChambeau also share similar sentiments. They lament that too many people are losing interest in the sport and emphasize the need to find a solution.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau’s Perspective
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau will be competing at Augusta National next week for the Masters Tournament. Ahead of the tournament, McIlroy spoke out about the poor television ratings of the PGA Tour, expressing concern over the dwindling viewership. He finds it alarming and attributes it in part to the divided state of professional golf. McIlroy is not surprised that many golf fans have become disinterested after witnessing nearly two years of feuding between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
“What’s Happening Is Not Sustainable Right Now”
McIlroy’s warning extends beyond his personal opinions. Jon Rahm, who has joined the LIV Golf league, shares similar regrets and concerns. Both players believe that the fracture in golf is detrimental to the sport as a whole. Rahm acknowledges that the split between the tours is not sustainable and urges for unity and reunification.
“Too Many People Are Losing Interest”
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The dissatisfaction with the situation also resonates with LIV Golf stars such as Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau, referred to as one of the “arsonists” who ignited the division in professional golf, criticizes others for not acting swiftly enough to resolve these issues. He outlines his hopes to return to the PGA Tour but emphasizes the need for prompt action to extinguish the fire that has been set.
Amidst their preparations for the Masters Tournament, McIlroy and DeChambeau stand united in their agreement that the divided state of the sport is far from ideal. The calls for unity may ring hollow to some, given that the current division was caused by individuals driven by personal gain. Nonetheless, the concerns expressed by these notable golfers bring attention to the unsustainable nature of this fracture and the potential consequences it may have for the future of professional golf.