Both Sides Are Talking Nice, but 2024 Begins Without a PGA Tour/LIV Golf Resolution
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Parsing the words of a few of the biggest voices in the PGA Tour/LIV Golf battle, it is fair to wonder if there is a softening from both sides that could lead to reconciliation and, eventually, peace.
What that means still remains painfully unclear, but in the most simplest of terms, it would almost have to entail a way in which all of the best players in golf are competing in a decent number of the same tournaments.
First it was Rory McIlroy, one of the staunchest defenders of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf critics, who on a Stick to Football podcast acknowledged—among many things—that the June 6 "framework agreement" has "legitimized what LIV was trying to do, which then made it easier for guys to jump over."
He called Jon Rahm’s decision "a smart business move" and “I think he sees that things will come back together and he’s in a lucky position."
Come back together?
Does McIlroy know something? What does "come back together" mean? Or it could be wishful thinking. But certainly something has to give—and soon. Discussions on an agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are into their seventh month. A Dec. 31 deadline passed without resolution.
Rory McIlroy said Jon Rahm was in a "lucky position" after leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, Rahm’s big-money signing with LIV Golf last month shook the sport again, as the PGA Tour just began its season in Hawaii without its defending champion at the Sentry. LIV, still in flux and yet to announce all of its players for the coming season, begins its schedule in three weeks.
Phil Mickelson, one of LIV’s biggest signees and a harsh critic of the PGA Tour, used the opportunity of McIlroy’s podcast comments to preach calm. Interesting amid his comments was that he directed those same sentiments toward himself.
"This quote and the many others made today by Rory probably weren’t easy to say," said Mickelson in an X (formerly Twitter) post. "Let’s not use this as an opportunity to pile on. Rather, it’s time for me and others to let go of our hostilities and work towards a positive future.
"(Jon) Rahm’s signing is turning into a bridge to bring both sides together, as evidenced by the many comments today and a month ago about changing the rules for the Ryder Cup so Jon and others can play, so let’s use it as such.
"Until an agreement is reached it will be business as usual for both sides but hopefully without the needless disdain."
And then there was Greg Norman, the LIV Golf commissioner who has spent three decades tweaking the PGA Tour. He praised McIlroy for "falling on his sword to some degree." He called it a "significant turning point" because "he judged us on other people’s thoughts and opinions."
That point might be splitting hairs. McIlroy came to his own conclusions about LIV without help from anyone. His comments were more an acknowledgement of the current situation than any sort of admission of wrongdoing.
And it is probably not the time for either side to gloat. A deal at this point seems more imperative than ever. A fractured game is not sitting well with fans, no matter which side you favor.
Mackenzie Hughes, a beneficiary of Rahm’s departure for LIV Golf because he moved from 51st in the FedEx Cup standings to 50th—thus earning a spot in all the signature events—summed it up nicely last week.
"Fans are left wondering, do guys even love playing golf anymore, or are they just concerned about money," Hughes said. "All these guys going to LIV have made it pretty clear that it’s all about money ... to me, that’s disappointing. In 2019, I didn’t pick a schedule based on a purse. But now that I’m qualified for these events, it would be silly for me not to play them. They are great opportunities."
And lest we forget where golf sits in the overall sports landscape.
Last week Sports Business Journal reported a list of the top sports broadcasts in all of 2023. With 12.1 million viewers, the final round of the Masters was golf’s most watched event and finished 131st. The NFL, of course, was dominant with 93 of the 100 top-rated shows.
Golf remains a niche sport that has seen significant rights fee increases in recent years. While there was a push to see the stars get paid more for on-course performance—hence LIV Golf’s ability to attract players—the fact remains that none of this is commercially viable. McIlroy admitted that. Sponsors are balking on the PGA Tour and meeting all of these $20 million purses is problematic.
Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler made a record $21 million in official prize money in 2023 and Talor Gooch banked more than $35 million including bonuses playing for LIV, which is funded by an unlimited money source. There is plenty available for the players now.
So the negotiations continue with a sense from both sides that something needs to get done soon. The 2024 season will already see a game divided. Is there enough time to get it resolved for 2025?