On 6th June 2023, the world of golf was shaken by the news of a $3 billion merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Ever since then, the controversial relationship between the two circuits has become more prominent as compared to the intention of reducing the drama.
The merger even instigated propaganda that LIV Golf may not exist anymore as an individual entity.
In order to address these rumors, LIV Golfer Sergio Garcia has backed CEO Greg Norman’s confident claim from before the merger was announced.
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What’s with the rumors of LIV Golf’s future after the merger?
CEO Greg Norman took a stand against such speculations even before the merger was declared. During LIV Golf Adelaide Presser 2023. The Great White Shark summed up the future of LIV Golf in four words, “We’re not going anywhere.”
Norman who has always had faith in the Saudi-backed tours strongly believes that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf can exist in the same spectrum. There is no need for such allegations that LIV Golf is somehow hampering the American Tour.
Now, LIV Golf has announced yet another multiyear partnership with one of the most coveted golfing destinations in the world. Andalucia, which happens to be an autonomous community in the Peninsular region of Spain, houses over a hundred golf courses including the Club de Golf Valderrama.
During the interview with LIV Golf Andalucia, Spaniard golfer Sergio Garcia was presented with an opportunity to share his views on the rumors surrounding LIV Golf.
When asked about his confidence in LIV Golf’s consistency next year, El Nino replied, “Yes, very confident. I mean, that’s what I can see. That’s all I can say. I think we’re in a good spot.”
Thus backing Greg Norman’s four words earlier this year, Garcia has no doubt that LIV Golf will return.
He also referenced Jay Monahan’s interview with Sports Illustrated and added, “I think there’s a lot of details that are not finalized yet.”
Sergio Garcia, who signed with LIV Golf last year, said with some confidence, “ I think it’s going to be a great deal for everyone, and I don’t expect us to not be here next year.”
His conviction is also backed by the multiyear contract. After all, substantial financial backing was required to make such a deal in the first place. “Definitely. I think that says it all,” said Garcia.
Sergio Garcia talks about his experience with the PGA Tour
Popularly known as El Nino on the circuit, Sergio Garcia has experience with both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
He explained during the interview one of the many reasons he moved to LIV Golf, “One of them was to be able to play a little bit less. Obviously that’s not going to change.”
It’s not like he has something against the PGA Tour but his goals are a little bit different. “If everything goes according to plan like we expect it to be, I will not be playing much at all on the PGA TOUR because I don’t plan on playing 30 events a year,” he shared.
Of course, Garcia like many other golfers in the community is still waiting to see where the chips fall after the intricate terms of the merger are finalized. He did share a cherishable moment during the US Open this year.
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Speaking fondly of reconnecting with a friend, Garcia said he is happy about partaking in some of the PGA Tour events. If things pan out as per his plans, we may see Sergio Garcia on the tour now and then.
However, for the most part, he is fond of LIV Golf, and especially now that they have signed a substantial deal with one of his favorite golfing destinations in Andalucia where Garcia is an honorary member.
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What are your thoughts about LIV Golf returning next year? Do you think the merger definitively proves they will be back? Share your comments with us below.
Watch this story: Amid golfers confused over 3000000000 merger LIV CEO Greg Norman drops another truth bomb