Why LIV Golfers Have an Upper Hand at the Royal Troon Over PGA Tour Pros?

Sixteen. That’s how many LIV golfers are expected at Royal Troon. When compared to the full field size of 156, that number might appear small. But in light of the current waves that engulf the golf world, albeit less, this number has got what it takes. And the right amount of love from fans only proves this.

Who would’ve thought? Three years after the breakaway league was first formulated, opinions regarding the once-deemed long-lost players are now in transition. These LIV golfers might even accumulate louder roars of support from fans than the majority of PGA Tour pros. But how can we say this?

Foremost, it’s the Bryson DeChambeau hype that leads us to think this way. Having been hated for his ‘know-it-all’ attitude at one point, DeChambeau has now come a long way. His U.S. Open win with a slight inch over Rory McIlroy was what tipped the scales in his favor. Shortly after, everyone in the golf world was obsessed with his scientific way of approaching the sport. On top of this, his charming personality seems to seal the deal in his favor on the fans’ love parameter.

Then there’s the venue. Located in Scotland, this links golf course is what the Europeans on the Breakaway League dreamed of. After all, who doesn’t enjoy playing a round of golf on their home course? Thanks to the 152nd Open, that might be possible for the likes of Laurie Canter, Tyrrell Hatton, Jon Rahm, and Sam Horsfield.

(Fun fact: Horsfield is also a part of the all-England team, Majestic GC, featuring Ian Poulter and Co.) Surely, apart from enjoying a more homely environment, it’s likely that lots of local support will welcome these English and European stars to Royal Troon.

Moreover, if the US Open antics were to repeat themselves, DeChambeau might just have a formerly unexpected supporter on his side. This would be Nick Faldo, formerly a heavy critic of LIV Golf, whose stance seems to have softened thanks to Bryson DeChambeau’s charm at Pinehurst No. 2.

Praising DeChambeau and defending his embrace to critiques, the 66-year-old wrote on X, “Don’t be daft; I like the guy! Bryson is good entertainment. He brings a fascinating and innovative scientific approach to golf.” So there is a chance the six-time major champion turned analyst and commentator will be cheering for the 2024 U.S. Open winner more than anyone else. But who are some PGA Tour pros who might give their LIV Golf counterparts tough competition for the fans’s attention?

Noteworthy PGA Tour pros who could steal the spotlight from Bryson DeChambeau and Co.

To get fan love would not be so easy for all the LIV Golf pros at Royal Troon. Despite the recent major winner and nostalgia of playing on many of their homeland courses, some big names might steal their thunder. After all, the Open Championship is this year’s last chance for another European to claim his first major victory in a decade. As you might have guessed, this would be Rory McIlroy. Having lost the U.S. Open by an inch, the heartbroken Northern Irishman might make use of these European greens to make a resounding comeback.

Then there’s Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, who is likely to steal fans’ hearts. Having won six events so far this season, Scheffler will work to reverse his bad luck from Pinehurst at Royal Troon. If successful, Scheffler will once again steal the spotlight from under DeChambeau’s wing.

The choice is tough. But Royal Troon’s challenge is bound to be tougher. While it’s likely LIV Golf pros might steal more hearts, we are sure it won’t be without tough competition.