The LIV Golf player is convinced only the fans are missing out from the split at the top of the men’s game.
Lee Westwood, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, will be making his debut at a senior event this week as he participates in the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club.
The co-captain of Majesticks GC may have previously debuted at a senior event after becoming eligible at the age of 50 in April 2023. However, due to a busy schedule and restrictions on LIV golfers participating in the Senior Open, he has had to wait for over a year to finally have the opportunity.
In a press interview before the tournament, he expressed his concern about this situation and its negative impact on the fans. He stated, “Regardless of the level of golf, if the top players from each level do not come together and compete, the only ones who lose out are the fans. We need to find a way to ensure that the best players face each other more frequently.”
Since the emergence of LIV Golf, there have been concerns about the limited number of tournaments where the world’s best players compete against each other. Westwood, who will be playing alongside fellow LIV golfer Richard Bland, pointed out recent men’s Majors as examples of how fans react when they do.
“Everyone I spoke to agreed that it’s fantastic to see Richard and me playing here,” he explained. “If you look at the US Open two weeks ago, or the Masters, or the PGA Championship, people were thrilled to see Bryson, Cam, or Jon Rahm participating in those prestigious events.”
Bringing together the top players in a tournament to compete against each other is essential at the highest level of competition. Having all the best players present is crucial for the success of the event.
Westwood acknowledged the current deadlock in talks between the PGA Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund regarding LIV Golf. This impasse is regrettable, especially considering the opportunities it denies newer circuit players to participate in the PGA Tour Champions, which is highly valued by fans for showcasing older legends of the game.
He expressed his disappointment, saying, “It’s really disheartening that they can’t find a resolution at any level. However, the Champions Tour holds great significance for me. Over the past 30 to 40 years, people have witnessed my journey as well as that of other players. They have formed deep connections with us, both as players and individuals.
Of course, there is always excitement to see the young and upcoming talents making their mark, but there is also a strong desire to witness the familiar faces that have become a part of their lives over the decades.”
Based on my observations from viewing a portion of the tournament last week, it is evident that Padraig continues to exhibit exceptional golf skills, making it quite enjoyable to watch. Ultimately, our primary focus is on providing entertainment. It is commendable that organizations such as the USGA, PGA of America, and the R&A are making efforts to facilitate more frequent gatherings among players.
Leading up to his delayed seniors debut, Westwood, coming off a T3 at LIV Golf Nashville, confessed that his recent performance had boosted his confidence.
He mentioned: “Securing third place last week was my top result so far this season. I had a strong final day, which was great. I’ve been struggling to close out tournaments, so having fun in the last four holes and finishing that event strongly has really boosted my confidence for this week.”
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