Despite the long-standing divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, one common issue is emerging on both sides: the way some players are behaving on the course.
The arrival of LIV Golf, backed by Saudi investment, changed the landscape of the sport. One era that wound up being dealt with rather soon after was the Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson era. Two of the biggest names in history – one already signed to LIV in Phil and Tiger has reportedly been very close to sealing a move – but both winding down.
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LIV and the PGA Tour both offer something different. The PGA Tour provides tradition and history, while LIV has changed a lot about the sport that has had its positives and negatives.
Of course, there’s the pressing topic of golfers playing less in the modern day too – but one thing that stands out is something both tours have wanted to build on, and that is the star power they have at their disposal.
Earlier this season, McIlroy hit an errant tee shot at the US Open and reacted by smashing one of the tee markers.
While this was out of character for McIlroy, it set a poor example and, unfortunately, there have been more incidents like this recently.
Stephen Jaeger also took out his frustration on the tee box at the Rocket Classic, while over on the LIV side, Brooks Koepka did something similar at the event in Dallas before withdrawing due to illness.
Why LIV Golf and the PGA Tour must take action on bad behaviour
Fans want to see passion on the course – there’s no doubt that is true.
But it’s reached a point where it’s all happening a bit too often and the PGA and LIV need to get a grip on it quickly.
Fans pay their hard-earned money to go and watch their stars hit a ball around a course. If they start to pick up even the smallest bit of negativity off those players, it’s eventually going to bleed into the crowd. We already see it with Jon Rahm, who is heavily disliked across many areas of the PGA Tour, as many fans have accused him of similar things that have happened in the last few weeks.
Both operations need to up their punishments and ensure that something like this stops before it becomes the norm.
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