During a preview of the British Masters on Thursday, golfing legend Nick Faldo did not hold back his thoughts on the LIV Golf League, expressing skepticism about its focus on team play in its second season. Faldo, a six-time major winner, predicted that the stroke play format of the PGA Tour and traditional golf would be the preferred path forward for any combined organization. The PGA Tour recently agreed to merge with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.
Faldo voiced his doubts, stating, “Nobody’s really interested. They’re not going to get the sponsorship that they want. They call it a team event, but it’s not because it’s stroke play. True team play involves teammates supporting each other shoulder to shoulder. You see your mates on the putting green and wish them luck, and you meet them in the scorer’s tent to ask how they played. That’s it. The Ryder Cup is the ultimate team event, with its passion and atmosphere. They’re not playing with the same level of passion and atmosphere as the Ryder Cup.”
Regarding the uncertainty surrounding a potential combined tour merging LIV Golf, the DP World Tour, and the PGA Tour, Faldo believes that these are temporary issues. He remains optimistic that the game will emerge stronger in the long run. Enhance your golf viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.
“I think when the dust settles, whether it takes six months, a year, whatever, my goodness, pro golf is in an overall better financial position than it was back in the day,” Faldo commented on the increased financial support for golf.
Faldo also expressed his desire to see more opportunities for players to compete globally, particularly in countries like Australia that have faced challenges. He reminisced about the times when he, along with players like Seve Ballesteros and Greg Norman, traveled extensively to participate in tours worldwide. Faldo believes that expanding the reach of golf and giving everyone a chance to play and be seen in different countries would benefit the sport. Overall, he believes that professional golf is currently in a promising state.
“With the support and financial backing, pro golf is in a pretty darn good place,” Faldo concluded. Get the latest updates from the world of golf only on Nextbet Sports.
