Tiger Woods flew to Delaware for an emergency players’ meeting over the threat of LIV Golf on the PGA Tour.
LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed breakaway series, continues to divide the sport and lure big names with lucrative signing deals.
The PGA Tour has banned defaulting players, such as Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, and is now facing a lawsuit that will determine whether its response is legal or not.
A temporary restraining order for LIV golfers Talor Gooch, Hudson Swafford and Matt Jones from playing in the FedEx Cup play-offs was recently denied by a judge – but that’s just the start of what will be a long affair. antitrust.
If LIV wins in court and players can participate in both tours, issues such as official World Ranking points, Ryder Cup participation, and qualifying for Majors will no longer exist, and there will be no not much to stop the $2 billion breakaway project from completely taking over.
However, Woods and Rory McIlroy remain deeply opposed to LIV amid lingering questions about the league’s sporting integrity and accusations of Saudi sportswashing.
Amid news that World No. 2 and Golf Champion of the Year Cameron Smith is set to join, the rest of the game’s top players have called a meeting ahead of the BMW Championship in Delaware to discuss their next steps.
It is understood that Woods, along with a number of the world’s top 20 players who remain committed to the PGA Tour, will discuss everything from boycotting the Majors to seeking a compromise with LIV.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan will hold a separate meeting with the players on Wednesday.
Woods remains golf’s most influential figure and the 46-year-old was directly named in the lawsuit from LIV – who accused the PGA Tour of collaborating with him to deter young players from defecting.
LIV CEO Greg Norman has revealed Woods turned down £665m to join the project and the 15-time Major winner made his feelings clear at the 150th Open in July.
“Greg did things that I don’t think are in the best interest of the game,” Woods said.
He added: “To play there [LIV Golf], I do not agree. I think what they’ve done is they’ve turned their backs on what got them to this position.
“Some players have never even had a chance to experience it. They went straight from the amateur ranks to this organization and never really had a chance to play here and what it’s like to play a schedule of the Tour or to play in major events.
He continued: “What is the motivation to go out there and win it in the dirt? You just get paid a lot of money up front and play a few events and play 54 holes. They play loud music and have all these vibes that are different.
“I just don’t see how this decision is positive long-term for a lot of these players, especially if the LIV organization doesn’t get world ranking points and major leagues change their event entry criteria. .
“It would be sad to see some of these young kids never get the chance to experience it and experience what we are blessed to experience and walk on these hallowed grounds and play in these championships.”
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