It wouldn’t be a week in golf at the moment without some big-time comments emerging about how things are being done on the PGA Tour.
With constant talk of a LIV-PGA merger of some sort and the fact LIV seems to be gaining momentum in recent weeks, there is increased pressure on the PGA to keep improving and expanding.
A recent deal with major sports investment group SSG has at least brought some balance and enthusiasm to the table.
However, there is a clear divide in terms of those on the PGA Tour board, including among current players having a big influence on there.
As we all know, Rory McIlroy has stepped away from things with Webb Simpson one of the leading voices, along with Patrick Cantlay and others.
And speaking about the current mess at PGA board level, a tour insider and director has had some harsh words surrounding Cantlay’s role.
Director claims Patrick Cantlay could ruin the entire PGA Tour
In a piece by Golfweek, a PGA Tour director has had some harsh words to say about Cantlay and what he’s bringing to the table.
“We need Rory back on the board. Had he stayed on he could’ve neutered Cantlay. He’s the only one with the power to neuter Cantlay. We need Rory to try to keep Cantlay from ruining the Tour. Webb is too nice. A lot of people at the Tour at a very high level are thrilled that Rory is going back on the board for that reason,” they director is quoted as saying.
Adding further depth to the comments, the Tour Director is quoted further in discussing what Rory McIlroy’s plans involve.
“Rory wants the Irish Open and other international events to be promoted and smaller fields and larger purses. There’s a lot we don’t like about Rory and his deal. But the main thing is Cantlay and we’ve got to get a deal done with the PIF. LIV’s got to go away. If we don’t get a deal done, we’re all screwed in the end. We all know it. (Cantlay) is against it. Rory is for it. So let’s get a deal done and get these (guys) put to bed. Do any of us want to work with the Saudis, no? But, on the other hand, none of us want to fight against them and their money for the rest of our careers, either. Cantlay is blocking any type of deal they try to put together. Rory wants (independent director) Jimmy Dunne to be the negotiator, not the players. The players should only be voting on what happens inside the ropes and rules and stuff. They are not businessmen. If you have a high school education how the hell can you vote on multi-billion-dollar finance situations and investment properties? They don’t have a clue. They don’t know the business. Hire the top business guys in the world to do your deal. Put them in place and be done with it.”
The PGA have got to get their house in order
It seems like before every single tournament we get these inevitable questions and leaks about what is happening at board level on the PGA Tour.
And even without having inside information and knowledge on the actual situation, the PGA needs to get their house in order and do it quickly.
As time ticks by, more and more golf fans are being put off by the constant talk over money, the PGA and LIV battle, and more.
READ MORE: What Rory McIlroy really makes of Patrick Cantlay
Rory McIlroy has himself walked away from that board as it stands. And it looks like for good reason.
The comments here on Cantlay seem quite eye opening as well. The American is hardly the most popular golfer on tour – see his Ryder Cup shenanigans as an example – so if he’s exerting influence, it won’t be going down well in some quarters.
The PGA, then, have got to get a handle on things or risk turning a lot of fans away from its product.
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