“Carbon Copy:” Talor Gooch Hints at a Major Format Change in LIV Golf Despite His Towering Skepticism

Talor Gooch thinks the LIV Golf format might go through a big change. 54 holes, shotgun start, no-cut events. Nothing went with traditional golf before LIV Golf crashed into the scene. Two years later, the format that gave the PIF-funded league its name, still doesn’t sit well with many. Whereas, players like Gooch, who learned the game playing 72-hole golf, have made a home in the radical format.

Some golfers, still, are rather queasy about this. Even Talor Gooch admits that if there is ever a debate, two distinct sides will emerge. The LIV Golf pro, who joined the Smash GC Roster, would rather stick to his guns, however. The 32-year-old feels that’s what makes the fledgling league unique.

Talor Gooch wants to preserve the uniqueness

Speaking with the Australian Golf Digest, the 2023 LIV Golf season champion said they are yet to have an “open forum discussion,” about the format. However, if that happens, two sides will emerge. “But you get both sides … guys who would welcome it [72 holes] and some guys who are opposed to it. Discussions will be had, and it’ll be interesting to see what comes of it.”

The 54-hole no-cut format was one of many reasons why OWGR refused to grant points to LIV Golfers. As a result, Talor Gooch, despite showcasing brilliant form throughout the two years at the breakaway league, has slipped more than 200 places. In fact, his chances of playing at this year’s Masters and the PGA Championship appear slim courtesy of this.

Regardless, the American Pro feels more at home with the 54-hole format. That’s the unique part of LIV Golf according to the former PGA Tour pro. “I think LIV Golf was meant to be something different; I think it’s not supposed to be a carbon copy of the rest of professional golf. I lean towards keeping it at 54 holes.”

Read More: LIV Golf Plans To Change Its Format? Team Captain Makes a Never-Before-Heard Revelation

Talor Gooch’s comments make for an interesting case study, as the most recent marquee signing, Jon Rahm stands in total opposition to this. The Spanish International has disapproved of the format since the beginning. Now that, the defending Masters Champion sports a LIV jacket himself, will this create some conflict in the nascent league?

Will Jon Rahm’s signing play a pivotal role?

“To be honest, part of the (LIV) format is not really appealing to me. Shotgun three days to me is not a golf tournament, no cut. It’s that simple.” That was Jon Rahm speaking at the 2022 U.S. Open. The Spanish International has never locked horns with any peers who bolted to the Saudi-backed side. However, the non-traditional format was always unpalatable for him.

In fact, even after joining LIV Golf, Rahm hoped to make some changes. “I’m hopeful that the leaders of LIV Golf might listen to some of my advice and maybe see some changes in the future for the better of the game.” Although the Spanish international was rather coy about the minute details of his advice, the 54-hole format is something he still has some qualms about. But the lingering question is, if Greg Norman faces strong opposition from the inside, will he listen to his most prized asset? Is it a risk worth taking for the Great White Shark? Time will tell.

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