This week, allow me to depart from the usual. While this column is usually about local golf courses, food, and in the near future, golf equipment, this week I'd like to give my views on international golf. To be more specific, let me give my two cents on the PGA Tour v LIV issue, made-for-TV golf, golf on streaming platforms, and the need to "grow the game."

PGA Tour v LIV Golf

This issue has been on the news and in social media for well over a year now. The inaugural LIV London Invitational held in June 2022 drew mixed reactions, but way before the first tournament, the mudslinging was already in full gear.

Aside from huge contracts (some in the nine-figures in US Dollars), having a polarizing CEO in Greg Norman, and funding from Saudi's Public Investment Fund ensured strong sentiments from various sectors.

Personally, I am of the opinion that when it comes to livelihood, we should respect each professional's decision. As I've often seen in comment sections on social media, if someone is offered a much bigger (guaranteed!) salary for much less work, it's a no brainer. Records and legacy aside, if you aren't close to dominating the sport, then getting a huge paycheck is an easy choice to make for any professional. That is the essence of being a pro after all, being paid to play.

Among the issues hurled at LIV is the source of their funding. But the PGA Tour also has sponsors with money from the same region. So for me, that is a bunch of the pot calling the kettle black. Both LIV and the PGA Tour have oil-stained hands. On the issues of recruiting players and giving large contracts, and on funding, I am for LIV.

As for growing the game of golf, LIV has also done well by holding tournaments outside the usual venues, with events played other than in the US and Europe. So that's another plus.

Where I have an issue with LIV is their attempts at legitimacy. They want their players in majors, they want official golf rankings, they want to play both LIV and regular tour events.

Double dipping is where I draw the line. LIV came up with their own 54-hole format, without cuts and without a real qualifying process. For all intents and purposes, LIV is an exhibition, a big-stakes league that plays under their own rules. Asking everybody else to bend backwards reeks of entitlement.