What did South African golf legend Gary Player say about LIV golf?
Gary Player is another legendary golfer speaking out against LIV Golf, but not only for the same political reasons.
Golf legend Gary Player might have been understanding of why older golf players are joining the new LIV Golf League, but he can’t wrap his head around why some of the younger ones are leaving the PGA Tour.
On Wednesday, the 86-year-old legend staunchly defended the PGA Tour against the new Saudi-backed series that is preparing its fourth tournament of the year this weekend in Boston.
Player, who has won nine major tournaments over his tremendous golf career, said on BBC Radio 5Live that a golf champion does not play a tour with 54 holes and no cut over the course of three days, referring to LIV Golf’s tournament format.
Player on LIV Golfers: “it’s for people who don’t have confidence”
“I wouldn’t take a billion dollars for my nine majors on both tours. I worked hard. I had desire. I traveled the world. It was an education, I met wonderful people,” Player said. “How can you ever be a champion playing a tour with 54 holes and no cut?”
Player continued that this tour is for players who “don’t have confidence in their future,” and do not believe they can be winners. “It’s never going to compare to the regular tour. No chance. They’ve declared war on the PGA Tour,” he said.
Player also added that the players who left for the renegade league should not expect to be a part of the Presidents Cup or the Ryder Cup. Speaking of the latest reputable player to join the controversial league, Player showed his mixed feelings about British Open champion, Cameron Smith.
Gary Player on Cameron Smith
“Here’s a young man I really thought was going to be a superstar. Now what sort of future does he have? Will he be able to realize this great dream of being a champion? I don’t know,” Player said, adding that he understood that other players like Henrick Stenson joined the league based on financial reasons.
Player continued that as a potential superstar, the Aussie might have received the wrong advice from his advisers.
Smith joins Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, among others, and is making his debut this weekend at ‘The Oaks Course’ in Massachusetts.
Despite his opinion of LIV Golf’s structure, Player isn’t necessarily against the same thing most people are critical of- Saudi Arabia’s funding of the league. He actually has his own relationship with Saudi Arabia, having been an ambassador for Saudi Golf. Prior to The Open Championship, Player even wore a Saudi Golf logo when he was an honorary starter for the Masters.