‘LIV Is More of a Parody League’: While the PGA Tour Merger Is In Full Swing, Fans Take Polarizing Stands to Its Confusing Future

PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan’s return to work following his health-related absence has sent ripples through the golf community, thanks to the explosive memo that has been entrusted to Tour players. The brand-new memo touches upon plenty of things concerning the golfing circuit’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which bankrolls LIV Golf.

Monahan, in the memo, has also touched upon the steps that will be taken to reinstitute LIV defectors. But, several of the efforts that are being made to bring the PGAT-LIV merger into fruition have not been well-received by many supporters of the Saudi-funded league, as seen on social media. This has further added fuel to the age-old PGA Tour vs. LIV debate, with golf fans from both sides chiming in!

LIV Golf’s dissatisfaction with the controversial new merger comes to the surface

Currently, the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s PIF are involved in discussions relating to a possible new alliance that will unify all facets of professional golf. In fact, last week, PGAT commissioner Jay Monahan informed the Tour’s players that a task force would be developing “potential pathways” for LIV pros that wish to return to their former Tour. Financial sanctions or suspensions for those willing to come back have also been discussed. But, one LIV player has taken an issue with the potential penalties.

Recently, Phil Mickelson took to Twitter to stress that the possible punishments would be a “a colossal waste of time.”  In his tweet, the 6-time major winner further added that not a single LIV player was willing to play on the PGA Tour again. Mickelson’s feelings were reiterated by @LIVGolfNation, a fan page of LIV league, on Monday.

In a tweet, LIV Golf Nation opined that LIV players do not harbor any interest in playing for the comparatively smaller purses that are prevalent in PGA Tour events. They raised fingers at the widespread criticism that LIV pros have received from the PGA Tour and the media since their defection.

Also Read: Despite His Healthy Relationship With Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm Follows the Path of Rory McIlroy While LIV Golf Rumors Take Center Stage

“LIV is here to stay,” the tweet said. Since the tweet came to light, the PGA Tour-LIV debate has once again kicked off, with the Greg Norman-backed league receiving significant flak from the golf community.

Golf community puts LIV Golf on blast once again

Back in early June, the PGA Tour shocked the golf world by announcing its merger with LIV Golf. In a bid to end their longstanding rivalry, the two factions also dropped all lawsuits against each other. But, unlike the PGA Tour and LIV league, fans of the golfing circuits are yet to put their differences aside.

On Monday, one golf fan opined that the “lack of history or legacy” in LIV will fuel players’ return to their former Tours. Meanwhile, another said that the PGA Tour did not wish for the defectors to return in the first place.

One golf fan pointed out that many players on LIV would not make it on the PGA Tour, referencing the likes of Chase Koepka and Pat Perez.

Some golf enthusiasts, however, remained on the fence on the subject. One Twitter user even pointed out that the rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf is good for the game.

Earlier, many players in LIV Golf had welcomed the merger with the PGA Tour. However, in the wake of the recent developments, many LIV defectors are yet to vocalize their current feelings.

Watch This Story: Moments After LIV Golf Reveals Their Mount Rushmore, Fans Fire Up Social Media With a Barrage of Verdicts 

Do you think that LIV players will wish to return to their former tours down the road? Let us know in the comments!