Padraig Harrington names ‘huge advantage’ LIV Golf currently has over PGA Tour which is ‘nearly guaranteed’ at every event

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite its flaws, LIV Golf has imparted several important lessons to the PGA Tour and golf’s traditionalists over the past two years.

Whether it’s the 54-hole format, LIV’s tough stance on slow play, or the breakaway league allowing its players to wear shorts, certain elements could be implemented on golf’s main tours.

There’s also the shotgun start, which ensures the day’s play is over within the four to five-hour mark, which is a favourable viewing experience for spectators.

Padraig Harrington claims LIV Golf has ‘huge advantage’ over PGA Tour

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has been cynical of LIV in the past but also accepts the pros of the PIF-backed venture.

Speaking in a recent YouTube video, Harrington admitted that LIV’s smaller fields and the absence of a cut naturally encourage stacked leaderboards to emerge.

“If they’re going to go to reduced fields for timing. Remember, reduced fields help guarantee the better players stay in the event for the weekend. So obviously, on a no-cut event, LIV have a huge advantage in that they’re nearly guaranteed their top players are going to be in contention on a Sunday”, Harrington said.

“You tune into the Champions Tour, and I guarantee you’ll know six of the top ten names on that leaderboard. LIV have that advantage as well. Reducing the fields on the tour, especially in those no-cut events, does help with guaranteeing your names are going to be up there.”

Are the PGA Tour reducing their field size?

The PGA Tour is making moves to improve the competitive structure of events.

Open tournaments played on one course will now feature 144 players, down from 156. The Players Championship will now consist of 120 players. However, the majority of events, with the exception of the Farmers Insurance, will remain 156.

The PGA Tour has said the adjusted field sizes will promote a better pace of play, improve the chances of rounds being completed, and allow the 36-hole cut to take place on time in adverse weather conditions. Tour officials also believe the adjustments will more effectively set up weekend storylines.

Those players on the bubble are clearly the biggest losers from the now-implemented alterations.