Major champion slams LIV Golf: ‘It’s not top level sport!’

Dame Laura Davies has argued LIV Golf cannot be considered top level sport because it lacks jeopardy and is too disjointed.

The Saudi-backed breakaway league has faced criticism over its format since it launched back in 2022 with shotgun starts and no cuts across lucrative 54-hole tournaments.  Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, Davies made her feelings abundantly clear on LIV in its current guise.

“I do like LIV Golf, but the only thing I can not get on board with is 54-hole shotgun (starts),” said the Solheim Cup legend.

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“I know the players and caddies love it, they all get the same conditions, it’s quick. But as someone who loves watching live golf, I can’t watch it because it’s too disjointed and it’s too far fetched. All over the course you’ve got things flashing round.

“I just don’t see why LIV can’t become 72-hole stroke play. It’s convention, it’s the way it is. That’s the only way personally that I can get on board with it.

“It’s disjointed for me all day long. I understand why all the players, caddies and officials love it. It’s very easy, but not everything that’s easy is great.”

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Four-time LPGA major winner Davies bumped heads on the podcast with veteran caddie Craig Connelly, the Scot who carries Martin Kaymer’s bag on the LIV circuit.

“It’s cushty isn’t it Craig,” Davies said. “It’s far from cushty Laura,” Connelly interjected. “It’s still the same. You’ve got to go out and prepare, it’s like any other tournament.”

Davies hit back: “It’s 54 holes, it’s no cut, it’s good money, it’s just not top level sport for me. I don’t consider it top level sport, I really don’t. There’s got to be some jeopardy, there’s no jeopardy.”