Months After Seth Waugh’s Crushing Comments, LIV Golf Executive Hits Back With a Stern Statement

A year ago no one could have been able to speculate the season LIV Golf was going to face. In fact, many judgments were drawn based on the funding the league has received. The reason was that the main financial benefactor of LIV Golf is the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. Yet, as we progress toward June, LIV has successfully completed its first year. The massive wins in the form of great crowds in Adelaide and Singapore, the involvement of the entertainment sector, and colossal prize money were not unaccompanied by their fair share of controversy.

This also included the ongoing verbal war between the PGA Tour traditionalists and the rebellious LIV Golf. Among many comments fired from both ends, one particular crushing remark was made by PGA chief Seth Waugh. But, it appears that after the conclusion of the LIV Golf event in Washington DC, the executive of the league had counter-arguments ready.

LIV Golf executives provide insight regarding the league’s development

Many people have been curious about Greg Norman’s LIV Golf. The interest has continued to surround the team-centric format of the LIV events and the purpose of the new league. According to Sports Illustrated, two executives of LIV Golf assured that the progress within the golf league has been significant but it will require time to fully flourish.

One of the executives talked about LIV Golf’s multi-decade plan and said, ” This was always going to take time to mature, time to establish itself. That happens at different stages for the league, for the teams, and for the events.” The informant even mentioned how they are fully aware that LIV Golf will take time to fully establish and become commercially mature—but strongly believed that they are here to stay.

While acknowledging the scope that LIV Golf possesses, the executives also commented on its team concept. They believed that like other U.S. sports events, the LIV teams can have ‘home’ venues and huge sponsors. This will allow the teams to compete and generate lots of financial value. Also, help establish an atmosphere similar to games like professional ice hockey.

Read More: Despite Having More Than a Year Long Rivalry, LIV Golf Looks Forward to Partner With PGA Tour, per Latest Report

The executive commented, “They’re in their absolute infancy in golf. But you look at other sports and how they depend on the success of the teams, now LIV has got that platform that it can do that.” It appears that the rebel league is trying to add innovations to traditional golf. Their focus also includes targeting younger audiences just as they did in Adelaide. All these factors point towards the ultimate aim of LIV Golf- to make golf a mainstream sport.

The PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh questions the applicability of LIV Golf

Before the two executives from LIV Golf took to the media to talk about the league’s future aspirations, it was Seth Waugh who questioned LIV’s practicality. According to Golf Monthly, the PGA Chief commented on the business model of Greg Norman’s LIV Golf. He believed the framework to be ‘flawed’. During the preparations for the second major of the season, Waugh recapitulated his stance.

The CEO said, “We don’t think division is in the best interest of the game.  As a former businessman who looks at things, I think disruption is a good thing.  I think good things have happened from that.” It may appear that Waugh has allowed himself to notice some of the benefits the rival league has generated.

Although he still stands by his statement, “I struggle and I have since the beginning, even before the beginning, with understanding how it’s a sustainable business model.”

Watch this story: Hours Before the $25,000,000 Tulsa Event, Greg Norman’s LIV Golf Suffers a Huge Setback

As an answer to Waugh’s opinions, the LIV executive concluded with a firm statement. The source said, “We’re not saying we’re the answer, we think we’ve got some good attributes.”  It seems that the Saudi-backed league has faith in their method. They are moving forward with a trial-and-error model.

What do you think of statements made by LIV executives? Do you agree with them or lean more toward Seth Waugh’s opinion? Let us know in the comments below!