Justin Thomas disagrees with Rory McIlroy’s stance on allowing LIV Golf League players to return to the PGA Tour without facing any punishment, emphasizing that such a move would be unfair to players who remained loyal to the PGA Tour.
At Glance
– ‣ Justin Thomas disagrees with Rory McIlroy on allowing LIV Golf League players to return to the PGA Tour without any punishment, emphasizing that many players, including himself, would have a problem with it.
– ‣ Rory McIlroy has softened his stance on LIV Golf defectors, advocating for reconciliation and opposing punishment for players wishing to return, citing the good of the game and the importance of strong fields.
– ‣ Despite a recent $3 billion investment in the PGA Tour, Thomas remains undecided on a full merger between the main tours but insists that LIV players should face some form of reprimand if they wish to return.
– ‣ Thomas highlights the sacrifices and commitments made by players who remained loyal to the PGA Tour, suggesting that allowing LIV players to return without consequences would be unfair to them.
Justin Thomas backs up his boy Rickie Fowler in saying LIV guys shouldn't be able to return without some sort of penalty. "I would have a problem with it, and I think a lot of guys would have a problem with it."
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport)
Justin Thomas isn’t on the same page as Rory McIlroy when it comes to LIV Golf League players. He’s pretty clear about it. “Definitely not in agreement,” he said. That’s putting it mildly.
Up until recently, McIlroy was vocal in his criticism of those jumping ship to the PIF-funded circuit. But then, something changed. Speaking to Sky Sports’ James Weir last December, McIlroy seemed to soften. He talked about letting bygones be bygones. By January, he admitted he’d been “too judgmental” at the start. A significant shift, no doubt.
Fast forward to the Pebble Beach Pro-Am last week. McIlroy, now 34, made his stance clear. No punishment for returning players, he said. “I mean, I think it’s hard to punish people,” he explained. He sees the bigger picture now – a united golf world is better for everyone. “It would be much better being together and moving forward together for the good of the game,” McIlroy added. Sounds idealistic, doesn’t it?
But here’s where Thomas diverges. Backing his buddy Rickie Fowler, he insists on some form of penalty for the LIV returnees. “I would have a problem with it, and I think a lot of guys would,” he stated. Strong words, captured in a tweet by Daniel Rapaport. The debate heats up.
Thomas, riding high from a string of successful starts, remains undecided on a full merger of the tours. Yet, he’s firm on one point – returning LIV players shouldn’t get off scot-free. “I’m not necessarily super adamant one way or the other,” he admits. But the principle stands. Sacrifices were made by many, and that shouldn’t be overlooked.
“I think there’s a lot of us that made sacrifices and were very — whether it’s true to our word or what we believe in or just didn’t make that decision,” Thomas reflects. Change is in the air, sure. But at what cost? “I would have a hard time with it, and I think a lot of guys would,” he reiterates. The sentiment is clear.
As for the future, Thomas sees a possibility of reconciliation. But the details? They’re murky. “I think there’s a scenario somewhere, whatever it is, down the road of some kind of version of some guys being back,” he muses. But when and how? That remains a mystery.
This week, Thomas is set to play at the WM Phoenix Open. He’ll be teeing off with Adam Scott and Cameron Young. The game goes on, amidst the controversy and the debates. But one thing’s for sure – the golf world is watching, waiting to see how this all unfolds.
