Golf
Lee Westwood makes 20-word claim that sums up LIV Golf and PGA Tour rift
Former world No.1 golfer Lee Westwood has felt the full force of the PGA Tour and the European tour since defecting to the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Invitational Series in 2022
Lee Westwood has urged LIV Golf and the PGA Tour to end their damaging feud.
The British golfer – twice a runner-up at the Masters – is gearing up for the US Senior Open this week. His debut on the over-50 tour was delayed by a year partly due to the PGA Tour’s sanctions against players who joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf series, which has sparked hostility since its controversial inception in 2021.
Currently, the PGA Tour requires LIV golfers to wait a year after their last LIV event before they can participate in PGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions tournaments. In a move to integrate the two sides, the PGA Tour announced in June last year that it had outlined a merger deal with Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, though the peace agreement is still yet to be completed.
And Westwood expressed his frustration towards the delay on Tuesday, stressing that the division within golf is negatively affecting the experience of fans.
The 51-year-old said: “At the end of the day, we’re in the entertainment industry. No matter what the level of golf is, I think if the best players at every level don’t come together and play, there’s only one loser, and that’s the fans watching.”
Crucially, he added: “We need to somehow figure a way that we can get the best players playing against each other more often.”
Westwood is also facing a hefty £850,000 fine from the European tour for taking part in the LIV Golf League while still a member, a penalty he openly admits he has no intention of paying. “We’ll have to find a way around that,” he said.
“At any level, it’s disappointing they can’t resolve it. The Champions Tour for me is important because people have watched me play and other guys out here play for the last 30, 40 years, and they build relationships with those players and they’ve seen us grow as players and people.
“Yes, people want to see the youngsters, the new guys on the block coming through and contending. But they also want to see the guys they’ve made a bond with over the last 30, 40 years.”
Westwood enjoyed his best result of the season so far at last week’s LIV event in Tennessee, finishing in a tie for third place. The Englishman was once ranked No.1 in the world, having knocked Tiger Woods off his 281-week perch in 2010 with four top three finishes across five majors.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
From Stadium to Screen: How Technology is Changing Sports Viewing
20/7/2024 Horse Racing Tips and Best Bets – Flemington, Flemington Cup day
Indian tech hub Karnataka state’s move to reserve jobs for locals not finalised, chief minister says
Financial picture dramatically improves for Shamrock Rovers in 48 hours with Sinclair Armstrong deal and European win
Our fashion editor’s favourite affordable bag is 20% off today
Jay Shah’s Big Decision Hovers Over Cricket’s Associate Member Directors Election
Budget shampoo that adds MAJOR volume boost is on sale for Amazon Prime Day: ‘Your hair feels fuller and thicker’
Being active on your commute lowers risk of disease and mental health
Tiger Woods cops brutal Open schedule as full Round 1 tee times revealed
