In the midst of the ongoing controversy surrounding the exodus of players to the rival LIV Golf tour, world number one golfer, Scottie Scheffler, has broken his silence. With an unflinching stance, Scheffler places the responsibility for the current division in the golfing world squarely on the shoulders of the players who chose to abandon the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
The 28-year-old golf phenomenon has been notably reticent on the topic of LIV Golf and the players who chose to join the rival tour. However, he makes his stance clear: the golfers who left had full knowledge of the implications of their decision. Despite tempting offers, Scheffler chose to stay rooted in the history and tradition of the PGA Tour, eschewing monetary gain as the sole motivator.
“Those who left made their choice, fully aware of the consequences,” Scheffler stated, according to Golf Monthly. “I’m not here to change their minds.”
Scheffler, however, harbors no resentment towards the individuals who left. In his view, everyone is entitled to make the decision they believe is in their best interest. However, he candidly acknowledges that these players are responsible for the current divide in the golfing community. He implies that they have little ground to express discontent with the current state of the game.
Scheffler suggests: “If you want to understand why golf hasn’t reunited yet, ask those who left. Seek them out, wherever they’re playing this week, and ask when they plan to bring the game back together.”
Despite the upheaval, Scheffler remains steadfast in his belief that the PGA Tour is the pinnacle of professional men’s golf, holding a higher standard than LIV Golf. He admits missing the competition from other tournaments and acknowledges the presence of some very good golfers at LIV Golf. However, he maintains that the world’s best players are still on the PGA Tour.
The depth and caliber of competition on the PGA Tour, according to Scheffler, remain unparalleled. This is one of the key reasons he continues to play on this tour – his love for the game and the thrill of competing against the best.
Scheffler’s stance paints a clear picture of the current state of professional golf. His words serve as a reminder of the importance of tradition, competition, and the love of the game over monetary gain. As the players and the golfing community grapple with the ongoing changes, Scheffler’s views provide food for thought and a perspective that underscores the significance of unity in the sport.