LIV pro made move to escape PGA Tour ‘rat race’

Adrian Meronk has defended his LIV Golf move by claiming the PGA Tour is like a ‘rat race’.

The Pole earned a card for the American circuit in 2024 after finishing in the top ten of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai standings.

But, speaking to Gulf News, Meronk, 31, insists he got a ‘scare’ that pushed him to make the switch.

“If I’d played in America, I would have had to base myself there and I would have been so lonely and so miserable, I think,” Meronk said.

“I even talked to Nicolas Colsaerts – when he started playing the PGA Tour, he felt so lonely, he didn’t really enjoy it.

• Greg Norman responds to LIV axe rumours

• LIV Golf’s backers set to cut spending

“I was a little bit scared of that, to be honest. I wanted to play out there, but hearing things like that played a part in my decision.

“Joining LIV Golf meant I could stay in Dubai, which is a place that I like, and play fewer tournaments, as I was exhausted last year after playing 27 times.

“I think it was a great decision for me. It’s given me so much life and enjoyment. It’s like a rat race on the PGA Tour – everybody is looking out for themselves, and nobody talks to you.”

Meronk isn’t the first to open up on the challenges facing players on the established tour.

In September, Ryan Fox explained how the PGA Tour was a tough place to play as he endured a ‘lonely’ year.

• Major champion labels LIV move ‘best decision of my life’

• LIV Golf star in shock split

Just a few months prior, in May, Robert MacIntyre expressed the same concerns.

The Scot, teeing it up for his first full season, said not knowing many of the players means it becomes a ‘lonely place’ to be.

Meanwhile, moving to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league will reignite Meronk’s Ryder Cup hopes, he says.

He is one of several stars on Greg Norman’s circuit eyeing up a place on Luke Donald’s side at Bethpage next year.

“I think my manager may have spoken to him [Donald] at Wentworth, but I’ve not personally spoken to him about anything,” Meronk added.

“Sergio [Garcia], Rahm, Hatton – there’s a lot of players on LIV who want to be involved, so he probably knows I am up for it if I am playing well.

“I believe if I play well, I can make it.”

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Tryst Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.