Sign up for our daily newsletter
Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.
The model being used by the LIV Golf Invitational Series is “flawed”, according to the chief executive of the PGA of America.
Seth Waugh criticised the setup of the controversial rebel series, which will see eight events held around the world with purses starting at $25 million – meaning the first event next month will be the richest in golf history.
He also blasted the amount of money being pumped in by its Saudi backers, amid concerns it could damage golf’s “ecosystem”.
“It’s not a league at this point, but the league structure is somewhat flawed,” Waugh told reporters ahead of this week’s PGA Championship.
• PGA Championship 2022: First round tee times
• Tiger Woods breaks silence on Phil Mickelson
“We do think that for a lot of reasons, bringing outside money into the game is going to change it forever, if that, in fact, happens.
“The tour is owned by the players, and that means that everything ultimately flows back to the players, and as soon as you put any money into it, it’s going to create a need for return, a need for exit, and a lot of things that change the dynamics of it, which we don’t think is necessarily good for the ecosystem.”
Several big names have intimated their desire to play in the breakaway competition. Defending PGA champion Phil Mickelson, who is not playing this week, is one of the most notable, along with Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood.
Mickelson and Garcia in particular have voiced frustration with the current state of the game. However, Waugh claimed it has never been in a better position.
• Rory McIlroy reveals sympathy for Greg Norman
• Collin Morikawa reveals “creepy” habit
“Golf has never been hotter in every way, from a participation standpoint, from a viewership standpoint,” he said.
“Golf for the first time ever is cool, and that is going to bring more and more eyeballs to it, which I think is ultimately great for the game.”
Referring to the LIV series, he added: “We’re going to watch it obviously very closely.”
ALL ABOUT THE MASTERS
More Reads
The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland
Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
Find Courses