Scottie Scheffler believes LIV Golf players should face consequences and contribute to the PGA Tour if they wish to return, emphasizing that while he holds no grudge against those who left, their return should not be without conditions.
At Glance
‣ World No.1 Scottie Scheffler emphasizes that LIV Golf stars should face consequences if they wish to return to the PGA Tour, diverging from Rory McIlroy’s more welcoming stance.
‣ Scheffler acknowledges no ill will towards players who joined LIV Golf but points out that the manner of departure varied, with some suing the PGA Tour, which complicates their potential return.
‣ He advocates for a “pathway back” for LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour but insists it should involve some form of contribution or penalty, reflecting the sentiments of many PGA Tour players who stayed loyal.
‣ The ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi PIF, along with the $3bn deal with Strategic Sports Group, add complexity to the situation, casting doubt on how integration of players from LIV Golf could be facilitated.
“I have no bad blood towards the guys that left… There should be a pathway back for them, but they definitely shouldn’t be able to come back without any sort of contribution to the TOUR.” – Scottie Scheffler gives his thoughts on LIV players who left the PGA TOUR.
— Golf Today (@GCGolfToday)
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top golfer, dropped a bombshell. He’s saying loud and clear that those LIV Golf stars eyeing a PGA Tour comeback should brace for some hurdles. It’s not just any statement. It’s a biggie.
Rory McIlroy sparked this whole debate. He suggested welcoming LIV players back ASAP, no strings attached. But, not everyone’s on board with that idea. Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and now Scheffler are singing a different tune. They’re talking about dues, about consequences.
Scheffler’s chill with the defectors, generally. Yet, he pointed out, some folks didn’t just leave; they left and then threw legal shade at the PGA Tour. Over at the WM Phoenix Open, he told Golf Channel, “That wasn’t really in great taste.”
Then there were the others. The adventurers, let’s call them. They wanted a change, a different scene. Scheffler’s stance? No hard feelings. But, waltzing back like nothing happened? That’s a no-go.
He’s advocating for a comeback route, sure. But it’s gotta involve some give-back to the tour. Makes sense, right?
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour’s still hashing things out with the Saudi PIF. Their $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group? It’s kinda throwing a wrench in the works, making everyone second-guess the whole agreement.
Scheffler’s tweet sums it up: No grudges, but let’s talk contributions if you’re eyeing a return. It’s only fair.
The dream? Getting all the top players back together for non-Major events. It’d be a win for golf. But figuring out the “how” is still a head-scratcher.
Scheffler’s not sure of the specifics. Yet, he knows something’s gotta give for PGA Tour players to nod along. Loyalty’s a big deal here. He’s built his career on the PGA Tour and wasn’t about to jump ship.
For those who did and now want back? Scheffler’s message is clear: There should be a way, but don’t expect an easy pass. There’s gotta be a catch, a contribution, for re-entry to our turf.
