Are more golf pros set to defect to LIV Golf? Another set of golfers are rumored to join the Saudi-backed league after the world saw Jon Rahm jump ship earlier last week. Rumors abound that negotiations are underway with notable players such as Viktor Hovland and Wyndham Clark, suggesting a potential influx of top-tier talent into the PIF-funded league.
Reports from Handicap 54 speculate the shift of the two golfers from the PGA Tour. However, another tweet was added by the Get In The Hole Podcast, reporting the same from the news outlet. The latter mentions how the pair are “in talks to join LIV Golf,” although “nothing is confirmed at this time.”
@livgolf_league : POSSIBLE NEGOTIATIONS
Does this mean that both players are already in @livgolf_league ? NO. These players, as of today, ARE NOT in @livgolf_league. Now, according to multiple sources, we can say that 🇳🇴 Viktor Hovland and 🇺🇸 @Wyndham_Clark would be in POSSIBLE… pic.twitter.com/1xi4HU0rwI
— HANDICAP 54 (@handicap_54) December 12, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Earlier last year, in November, Hovland was seemingly upset with a far busier schedule for 2023 than he is used to. Although it was not enough to not commit, he had voiced his strong opinions about continuing with the PGA Tour. “With the schedule being as dense as it is, you know, it’s going to be tough to play all those events,” he stated boldly. “I think in a singular year you can make that work easy, but I hope the future of my career is not going to be scheduled in that way where I’m basically forced to play 23, 24 events or 25 events a year.”
Hovland, who competed in 23 events on the Tour last season and will perhaps compete in a similar number, including the eight elevated events in 2024’s 39-event season, advocated the need for the PGA Tour to become a better product overall but believes that it shouldn’t be at the cost of taking away the pursuit of freedom. “There’s going to have to be some give and take. I’m open to give a little bit of the freedom of picking a schedule to create a better product, but at the same time, I don’t want to give up that freedom if that means that—you know, if it’s not worth it, essentially.”
Earlier this year, the PGA Tour star made a rather balanced statement. The 2-time Hero World Challenge winner admitted that he has not ruled out jumping to LIV Golf. While this may be true, he didn’t side with the Saudi league either. He said, “Nothing is ruled out. I just try to do the best for me and my venture, but you never know what the future holds. But [LIV Golf] has a long way to go, to put it that way. I think it’s better for my golf if I play on the PGA Tour.”
On the other hand, 2023 US Open champion Wyndham Clark was seen advocating Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf stance, although unknowingly. “I love the PGA Tour, I love the United States, but I also love traveling the world and growing the game of golf; I think it’s the best thing for golf to make it a global game. If we could play more events outside the U.S. that have both U.S. players and international players, I think it’s the best thing for the game.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
For now, although the two golfers who are speculated to jump have neither confirmed nor denied the rumors, one can’t help but look at the possible consequences if they end up doing so. What’s more, they would likely receive the same treatment that Rahm experienced a little while back!
Possible repercussions of Viktor Hovland making the LIV Golf jump
As the defending Masters champ made the jump not too long ago, the PGA Tour followed the same by suspending the Spaniard for taking part in “unauthorized tournaments.” What’s more, the golfer was removed from the FedEx Cup Playoffs and Eligibility Points list, making a big shift to the same.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Unfortunately, this is what awaits a PGA Tour pro if he is to join the Saudi-backed league. Moreover, their wins in the 2023 season would fall into chaos as well, since their chances of defending the title would be negated too because of their defection. However, it is too early since no confirmation has been made about the rumors surrounding the two golfers and their shift to LIV Golf. Let’s keep our eyes and ears open for more!
Also Read – Despite Satisfactory Health Update, Will Tiger Woods Still Use a Golf Cart at the 2023 PNC Championship?