The PGA Tour has set up a compensation scheme for non-LIV Golf players, while rejecting plans to limit the distance a ball travels, designed to prevent modern courses becoming obsolete; a player discipline task force is also evaluating pathways back to the PGA Tour for LIV players
Rory McIlroy has been a leading voice in the PGA Tour’s dispute with LIV Golf
The PGA Tour has set up a compensation scheme for players who did not defect to LIV Golf and is also looking at establishing a pathway to reintegrate those who did.
Details of the deal – which shocked the sport last month when the PGA Tour struck an agreement for investment by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – are still being thrashed out and it is currently being investigated by the United States Congress and Justice Department over anti-trust violations.
But in a leaked memo to players, chief executive Jay Monahan, who returned to work last week after almost a month’s absence with a medical issue, has outlined some of the changes at tour level.
A player benefit programme has been established which will be “financially significant in total and incremental to our planned compensation package”, according to Monahan’s memo published by the Golf Channel.
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Rory McIlroy says he feels for those who rejected approaches from LIV golf and took the
A player discipline task force is also “evaluating developing potential pathways back to the PGA Tour for LIV players who wish to reapply in future”.
However, in a surprise move, the tour has dismissed proposals from the game’s lawmakers the R&A and United States Golf Association which would see limits placed on the distance a ball can travel as “not warranted”.
“There is widespread and significant belief the proposed modified local rule (MLR) is not warranted and is not in the best interest of the game,” the memo read.
“Following a discussion on the topic at a recent (player advisory council) meeting, we have notified the USGA and the R&A that while the PGA Tour is committed to collaborating with them – and all industry partners – to arrive at a solution that will best serve our players, our fans and the game at all levels, we are not able to support the MLR as proposed.”
Defending Open champion Cameron Smith admits his victory at St Andrews last year was overshadowed by his defection to LIV Golf but he nonetheless feels he made the right decision.
The R&A said it “appreciated” the PGA Tour’s response.
“We are currently in a notice and comment period where we are listening to views from throughout the golf industry,” the R&A said a statement.
“We appreciate the contributions we have received so far about the proposed Model Local Rule, including that of the PGA Tour.”
Sir Nick Faldo says he thought LIV Golf would just fade away and believes there was no atmosphere or proper competition in their events.
World number three Rory McIlroy supports the introduction of a ‘shorter’ ball and said he would consider using it anyway in regular tour events to prepare for the majors, where the rule would likely be enforced.
“I know that’s a really unpopular opinion amongst my peers, but I think it’s going to help identify who the best players are a bit easier,” he said back in March.
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