DP World Tour player Chris Paisley offers his thoughts on the breakaway LIV Golf tour, and what he hopes for the future of the game
It seems like all the golf world is talking about at the moment is LIV, so I thought it was a good time to put in my two cents.
I do not have an issue with the guys that have joined up. In all honesty, I would most likely do the same as the money is simply too good to pass up. Guys are earning far beyond their career earnings in a single, upfront payment. It would appear to be too good to be true; yet it is true… so far!
Having said that, I would choose to be upfront and honest about my reasons for defecting. I certainly would not be joining for the “innovative format” or the cool team names! It is all about money, for all of the players.
There are some upsetting elements to this episode. Firstly, the sanctioned players filing law suits against the DP World and PGA tours. As Justin Thomas said: “If you attack the PGA Tour, you attack me”. While I have no problem with guys leaving, I do have a problem with them wanting the best of both worlds. These players seem to be up for a fight, and I wonder why they are bringing that extra stress into their lives. Take the money, play your 14 events a season, and enjoy the rest of the year with your family.
I am also shocked that Henrik Stenson has given up the Ryder Cup captaincy. I know everyone has a price, but giving up what is the highest honour a European golfer can receive says a lot. If you asked past Ryder Cup captains and players to put a price on their most memorable moments, would there be a number? My guess is there isn’t enough money in the world. I am sure Henrik has his reasons; I just hope he does not live to regret his decision.
Truth told, I have no idea what the future holds. My best guess is that there will be a bitter power struggle for several years, and ultimately an agreement between all the tours. I can’t see how this battle can be sustained. Unfortunately, there are big egos and stubbornness on all sides but eventually something will have to give. I do think some elements of LIV could really work. The team format is a shambles as it currently is, but I think it could evolve into something cool – similar to the structure of Formula 1. The world ranking points are a huge stumbling block for LIV too, as is the lack of meaning to the events. They are currently as exciting to watch as an England vs Lithuania friendly, because there is simply no meaning behind them. The players have already been paid and there are no consequences to playing good or bad. You won’t see the same passion or excitement at the closing stages of their events like you do on the DP World or PGA tours.
If we’re honest, nobody knows where this is heading. There are so many other sides to this story that I don’t have space to get into; I just hope a solution in the best interest of the sport is found sooner rather than later.
