LIV Golf has often been criticized for ruining the traditional format of golf. The Saudi-based premier golf league’s attempt to improve the pace of play with shorter par rounds and a limited playing window is often viewed as restrictive.

Yet, Greg Norman and co. are also called out for associating with organizations that indulge in illicit human rights practices. In fact, many believe that such illegal activities are their primary source of funding. So it might come as a surprise to many to learn that the PGA Tour has now started taking ideas from LIV Golf.

That is what Jerry Foltz had to say about a LIV Golf approach that Jay Monahan & co. have also implemented in an event. Who is Jerry Foltz you ask? Well, he is the Lead Analyst on the LIV Golf League Broadcast team. He and his team are responsible for developing new and creative ways to present the LIV Golf product so that the fans can get the best viewing experience.

Jerry joined Tom on the Flushing It Golf podcast as the pair discussed various topics related to LIV Golf. One of the subjects Jerry talked about was LIV Golf’s implementation of unique production strategies to provide never-before-seen perspectives in golf.

Speaking about what “sets us apart than other golf broadcasters”, Foltz said, “We have the landing zones, we were the first to have a drone shot with a shot tracer on it.” The host Tom stated that “the PGA Tour tried to claim it” which was immediately debunked by Jerry as he said, “Not the PGA Tour. Somebody else tried to claim it.”

Going back to the topic, Jerry added, “It doesn’t matter who is first. It matters what the fans get to experience.” Promoting the PIF-funded league, he added, “The fans who watch LIV Golf get to see golf a way that has never been done before.” Drawing a comparison with Jay Monahan’s Tour, he added, “The fans who watch PGA Tour golf are starting to see a lot of things that are advancing their viewing experience.” After directly comparing LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, Jerry also made a bold claim that “Almost all of it is because of what we put on the air.” 

Intrigued by his guest’s views, Tom asked “When you say that they have copied some things you’ve put on the air in the last year or so, what does that feel like?” The host of the podcast further added, “Do you feel that gives validation that you’re doing the right thing?” This is what prompted Jerry Foltz to quote, “Imitation is the purest form of flattery.” 

Perfectly worded by the Lead Analyst at LIV Golf as he closed the subject to move on to the next part of the conversation. But did the PGA Tour really copy the drone tracer technology? Let’s find out.

What Jerry Foltz doesn’t know

Jerry Foltz did claim that it was not the PGA Tour that tried to claim the introduction of the drone tracer technology. However, there have been reports that suggest that it was Jay Monahan’s PGA Tour that suggested that they were the first ones to bring it on course. Back in June 2024, the PGA Tour implemented the drone tracer on The Travelers Championship. The $20 million purse signature event left fans mesmerized by the amazing production.

But the media outlets had other ideas about it. Many reports claimed that Jay Monahan & co. “copied LIV” without giving them credit for it. It is one thing to ignore the validity of LIV Golf, but it is an entirely different scenario if they end up imitating them. And we’re sure Greg Norman and his team must be quite flattered by the shenanigans the PGA Tour tried to pull.

What are your views about the entire incident? Do you agree with Jerry Foltz’s statement about imitation? Share your views in the comments section.