As LIV Golf stars continue to battle for equality with the PGA Tour one player still with the PGA has made a case for those on the Saudi-backed circuit competing at the Players Championship.
Billy Horschel, a professional golfer on the PGA Tour, is advocating for the inclusion of LIV Golf players in The Players Championship.
Despite the tournament being renowned for having the “best field in golf,” it is disappointing that for the second year in a row, players from the Saudi-backed circuit will not be able to compete at TPC Sawgrass. Consequently, exceptional players like Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, who have achieved major championship victories, are unable to participate in this prestigious event.
Horschel expressed his concern about the exclusion of players who joined LIV since its establishment in 2022 from PGA Tour events. As The Players’ 50th edition approaches, he believes it’s time for a change and shared his thoughts with Commissioner Jay Monogan.
Horschel emphasized the absence of some of the world’s best players in the tournament, stating, “It’s unfortunate that we don’t have them here.” He had a conversation with Jay about a year and a half ago, suggesting that if the majors allow players from LIV, perhaps they should also consider welcoming them. Horschel sees LIV as a fifth major and believes extending an olive branch could be a positive step forward.
We engaged in a fruitful discussion regarding this matter, and I comprehended his perspective as well as that of the PGA Tour. However, personally, I find it challenging to assert that we do not have the finest players in the world present here. Disregard the world rankings and all other factors. It is evident to everyone, simply by observing, who the top players in the world are. I am optimistic that in a year’s time, we will once again witness the return of all the best players to this very place.
The PGA Tour is currently engaged in discussions with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF). Commissioner Monahan recently visited the Middle East to hold talks with PIF’s governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, as both parties are eager to reach a profitable agreement that would reunite the sport. Monahan expressed that the negotiations are progressing at a faster pace and although there are still a few important matters to address, there is a mutual goal to eliminate distractions and tap into golf’s global possibilities.
“It’s going to require some time. I truly believe that reaching a favorable agreement with PIF is the ideal outcome. Of course, it has to be a mutually beneficial deal.” Horschel expressed his thoughts following Talor Gooch’s statement about a potential asterisk next to Rory McIlroy’s name if he were to win the 2024 Masters title.
This is because the 32-year-old, who became a part of LIV in May 2022, believes that not all of the world’s top players will be present at Augusta this April. Gooch’s remarks came after he didn’t receive a special invitation from the tournament to compete for the prestigious Green Jacket.
The top tournaments are usually more open to LIV players joining in, especially if they have already triumphed in one of golf’s four major events. Horschel is calling on the PGA to do the same and is optimistic that all golfers can unite once more in peace.
He expressed his belief that in order for the game of golf to regain its former glory and for the overall improvement of the sport, it is essential to prioritize the right actions, setting personal sentiments aside. He further expressed hope that this would be achieved through the partnership with PIF and other related endeavors, ultimately leading to a path where the world’s top players can compete in what he considers to be the fifth major tournament.
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