Ever since LIV Golf’s inception, one thing that has caught the entire golf world by shock has been defection! Many seasoned and upcoming golfers such as Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Abraham Ancer and Patrick Reed moved to the Saudi funded league. The one defection that took the entire golf realm by storm was of Jon Rahm. The golfers who left the Tour have often been criticized for their choice as it has been a notion that LIV Golf is not actually real golf. They have been called out for opting money over legacy! Chiming into the discussion is now a PGA Tour Legend, Chris DiMarco who doesn’t think that playing for money is wrong.
The 55-year-old golfer recently sat down for a conversation with the team of GOLF’s Subpar podcast. The conversation had a quite a few interesting instances, with one being his thoughts about the Saudi-funded league. Surprisingly, the golfer himself expressed interest in joining the league, if it was there during the peak of his career, and if he had been asked.
He acknowledged that he would have jumped at the chance and said, “You know, if you would ask me the same thing in 2004 and five when I was at the height of my career, see you later come gone.” And why would DiMarco jump the ship so quickly? For money! “And it was be a purely a monetary, monetary thing for me,” said the PGA Tour Champions pro.
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As per the golfer, there is nothing wrong in playing for money. He doesn’t think that of the “guys” going to LIV are at “fault.” It is a known fact that LIV Golf offers enormous payouts in comparison to the PGA Tour. The Tour’s signature event were mainly ideated to offer lucrative purses to the golfers who have decided to stay. As per DiMarco, the LIV golfers are making “generational money,” all thanks to hefty purses, and initial contracts. The reason for liking money, according the the PGA Tour pro, it is “nice to have that in the bank and kids taken care of and all that.”
Additionally, he demolished the myth of LIV golfers not playing real golf. “They first came out, and they said, Oh, we’re playing this less golf all that’s bullsh*t. You know what they just want to? They want they want to play for a lot of money, and they deserve it. They’ve had some great careers; why not go get some money?”
Well, DiMarco truly stands by LIV Golf. But there are a few others as well, especially a 1x major champion who also thinks that LIV Golf is better than the American Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau thinks in line with Chris DiMarco
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In another instance, Bryson DeChambeau talked about the same issue. Although there is no denying the allure of LIV Golf’s enormous cash packages, DeChambeau’s remarks pointed towards something more than money. He talked about LIV’s less hectic schedule with just 14 events in contrast to the demanding schedule of the PGA Tour. This offers more time for relaxation, recuperation, and personal interests for the others, and they can explore other opportunities outside the greens. The LIV players also have equity in their teams, which helps them earn more money.
As per the scientist, LIV is a “blue ocean” of opportunities as compared to the PGA Tour’s stricter system. The Saudi- League allows its golfers to have a digital presence and create businesses with it, unlike the PGA Tour. LIV sure owns its players’ commercial rights, but not the digital rights. The PGA Tour has comparatively stricter rules pertaining to the digital world. As reported by Golf Digest, DeChambeau once attempted to bring a film crew onto the course during a practice round. “You’re owned by the Tour for 52 weeks once you sign that contract,” said the golfer.
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Chris DiMarco and Bryson DeChambeau’s view on LIV Golf somewhat serves as a stern reminder for everyone who has been skeptical of the league. Do you agree with their remarks? Let us know in the comments below.
