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Jay Monahan’s PGA Tour in Trouble Again as Mysterious WDs Threatens to Ruin $9 Million Event

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Jay Monahan PGA Tour

Fans were expecting top players to participate with high hopes for the next PGA Tour event, i.e., the Farmers Insurance Open.

However, there has been a shock wave that spread after the news of Xander Schauffele withdrawing from the event. The news came in on January 18th, 2025, a few days before the event where his team cited a medical issue as the reason for withdrawing. It was a huge shock as the World No. 2 has been featured at the event for the last 9 years.

But what’s more shocking for the PGA Tour’s fourth calendar event is the addition to the withdrawal list. The 156 players list, a day after the news of Schauffele, saw more players withdrawing from the tournament.

PGA Tour LIV Golf merge: Jay Monahan, golf's largest hypocrite, backstabs players - SBNation.com

JUST IN: Paige Spiranac Enjoys the Confusing “TikTok Drama” as U.S. Ban Could Have Nearly Cost Her a $100,000

As per the post shared by PGA Tour Communication on X, it reshaped the list of players, while writing the names of players missing out and joining in as replacements. The list included the 2024 edition runner-up who missed the title with a stroke difference to Matthieu Pavon, i.e., Nicolai Hojgaard was among the top picks for fans based on his previous year’s performance.

Apart from him, Collin Morikawa, who failed to qualify last year at the Farmers Insurance Open, started strongly to change it. He was runner-up at his first appearance of the season, which was the Sentry 2025. However, unfortunately, this year too he will not be in the top rankers. The three-name list of players withdrawing also had Tyler McCumber, who was struggling with injuries and was away from the course for the last 2 years. He participated in two events in 2024, out of which he missed a cut in one and withdrew from one.

Now to make up the full-field event, Hayden Springer is coming in as a replacement for Nicolai Hojgaard. Hayden recorded a T33 finish last year while having 4 top 10s in the entire season. Along with him, Wesley Bryan, and S.H. Kim will be joining in as replacements at the Torrey Pines Golf Course. Even though some of the top names have withdrawn, there is still a great list of players whom fans should not miss teeing off live.

Besides the long list of players, there are some promising names that fans would be delighted to see. At the top, is the Sentry winner with the lowest recorded total, Hideki Matsuyama. The record-breaking start of the year for the golfer is expected to continue and fans are eager to see him break more records.

Along with the recent champion, Ludvig Aberg will also be contesting at the event. He has been among the favorites with his consistent performance. Last year he had 3 runner-up finishes and 6 top 10s, additionally. Even the first event of this season saw him deliver a great performance with which he recorded a T5 finish. Further on the list of players, two 6-time PGA Tour title winners Max Homa and Tony Finau are also part of the roster.

Even though some top names have withdrawn, there are still many prominent names that might get a record added under their name this season.

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GOLF

A Journey Inside Tiger Woods’ competitive genius

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Tiger Woods Back Surgeries

The encouraging practice session presents a familiar golfer pitfall.

You know how it goes: hit it solidly on the range, march to the first tee brimming with confidence, then wonder why it all unravels on the course. I’ve written about this dynamic before, mostly because I’ve lived it.

The inverse scenario can be found in a story recently shared by the former PGA Tour player-turned-Golf Channel announcer Tripp Isenhour watching Tiger Woods on the range after a round at Torrey Pines in the mid-2000s. As Isenhour recounted, Woods struggled so much with his driver that day he put it away and started hitting an assortment of shots with a 6-iron: first way up in the air, then curving 40 yards in either direction, then some low bullets barely off the ground. When Isenhour asked why, Woods responded, “If this is where I am going to be tomorrow then I might need these shots.”

It was vintage Woods thinking two moves ahead. “That’s the reason why I’m a freaking announcer now and not playing the Champions Tour,” Isenhour, who is also the founder of TournamentMindset.com, elaborated by phone. “Because when that happened to me, my thought was, ‘Damn it, I gotta fix my swing.’ ”

U.S. Open - Preview Day 2

READ: PGA Tour forced to move Tiger Woods’ Genesis Invitational due to LA wildfires

By contrast, Woods showcased a mindset the clinical and sports psychologist Bhrett McCabe and I have been studying in recent months, including in a cover story we wrote for Golf Digest’s April issue after McCabe’s client Nick Dunlap became the first amateur in 33 years to win a PGA Tour event. The disconnect between the range and the course, for example, stems from a misconception that competition hinges on technical proficiency. I better be hitting it OK, we think, otherwise I’m screwed. But as Woods and Dunlap have shown, the real key is accessing what you can and compartmentalizing the rest.

This “Competitive IQ,” as we call it, can be found in a wide range of high performers in golf and beyond, rooted in three core principles: awareness, acceptance, and adaptability. More than just being “clutch,” the trait reflects an understanding of where practice ends and competition begins, and how to prepare accordingly.

“The Tiger story illustrates his ultimate superpower, which was he was always willing to look not at what he had as a definition of his ability to compete that day, but what he could do with what he had,” McCabe says. “He was able to compete and use his higher-level skills to compete against others who were often stuck in what we call the ‘competition paradox.’ When stress intensified, they reverted back to trying to control their mechanics and he didn’t. That’s what made Tiger great.”

With Woods at Torrey Pines, for instance, awareness was recognizing he didn’t have full command of his swing and needed to approach the final round differently. When he stuffed his driver back in the bag, that was acceptance; frustrated as he was with the club he decided this wasn’t the time to try to fix it. “That was a time where I saw someone say, forgive my language, ‘F– it. I’m not going to hit the ball that straight tomorrow, so I’m going to have to beat you from where I’m going to be,’” Isenhour said. Woods’ willingness to test a series of recovery shots that he’d likely need if he was spraying the ball off the tee was the same adaptability he had displayed throughout his career. Don’t forget this is the same golfer who won the ‘97 Masters by 12 shots, then decided to rebuild his swing once he determined he needed it to hold up better under pressure.

It’s telling that even the most talented golfer in history recognized where his talent had limits. Those of us who fail to sense how competition is different, meanwhile, often spin our wheels trying to find something temporarily out of reach, which exacerbates the problem. Why? Because Competitive IQ also factors in our hardwiring, and how it shapes our response to different situations. The responses themselves are rarely the problem. The problem is when we spend precious energy railing against elements outside our control.

 “Stress isn’t negative or positive. It’s just a demand upon the body,” McCabe says. “If we choose to believe it as a sign of weaknesses, we will spend our time trying to fix our mechanisms. If we look at it as a situation that we must respond to, we will then change our mindset to be in the moment.”

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GOLF

PGA Tour forced to move Tiger Woods’ Genesis Invitational due to LA wildfires

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Tiger Woods Genesis Invitational

Due to the devastating wildfires tearing through Los Angeles, the PGA Tour has had to shuffle The Genesis Invitational from its usual spot at the Riviera Country Club.

The prestigious tournament, typically held at the Riviera, found itself in jeopardy as terrifying fires overwhelmed LA, destroying entire neighbourhoods along with countless businesses and homes, and, tragically, 25 lives have been lost to the flames that continue to rage on.

Just last week, it was revealed that the Genesis might not go ahead since the host venue is in the middle of an evacuation area. Despite being unscathed so far, the club was cleared out and remains unused.

Firefighters are still battling the inferno, and as a result, the PGA Tour confirmed this Thursday that shifting the venue was the only practical decision. However, the dates remain fixed, and a top-notch line-up is expected, including world-renowned players Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, and Collin Morikawa.

READ: Tiger Woods hilariously mocked by his son Charlie after comical error during TGL debut

In their announcement, the PGA Tour emphasised: “The PGA TOUR’s focus continues to be on the safety and well-being of those affected by the unprecedented natural disaster in Greater Los Angeles.

“We are grateful for the life-saving efforts of first responders and the tireless work being done to put an end to the tragic wildfires.”

“In collaboration with Genesis, The Riviera Country Club and TGR Live, and out of respect for the unfolding situation, we have determined that The Genesis Invitational 2025 will be played at an alternate location the week of Feb. 10-16. A venue update and additional tournament information will be provided in the coming days.

“The PGA TOUR is identifying the most impactful ways the tournament can support the Los Angeles community and the ongoing relief efforts. We encourage fans to join the support at PGATOUR.com/SupportLA.”

Speaking at his TGL debut this week, Woods expressed his sadness at the current situation in Los Angeles. Speaking before the announcement to move the tournament was made, Woods said: “It’s just sad. Max [Homa] and I have grown up there. We’re So Cal kids.”

“To see what has happened, I’ve known a couple people that have lost everything, so it’s just hard. As far as the Genesis, we’re trying to just figure everything out and make sure that everyone is safe and we have meetings scheduled going forward.

“But as of right now, we’re not really focused on the tournament. It’s more about what we can do to help everyone who’s struggling, who’s lost homes and had their lives changed.”

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GOLF

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy rub salt into Greg Norman’s wounds with LIV Golf olive branch

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy Greg Norman

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy launched a new golf and reached out to Greg Norman’s successor at LIV Golf.

Norman was head of the breakaway league when it first launched in 2022. Despite LIV and the PGA Tour agreeing on the framework for a merger in June 2023, Woods and McIlroy have remained at loggerheads with the two-time major winner.

On Tuesday, Woods and McIlroy attended the inaugural Tomorrow’s Golf League match, launched by their company TMRW Sports. Blending virtual golf and matchplay, the indoor team event is a major shakeup in the golfing world—and an invite was extended to a LIV Golf executive.

Big Blow to Greg Norman's Pride as Tiger Woods Endorses New LIV Golf CEO With Warm TGL Welcome - EssentiallySports

READ: Tiger Woods confirms plan for TGL debut as young phenom is forced to wait

The Sports Business Journal reported that Scott O’Neil, who is widely expected to replace Norman as LIV CEO, was spotted at the SoFi Center for the debut of TGL. There was no mention of O’Neil being accompanied by Norman. It has been reported that the 69-year-old will be moved into a different role by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

In 2022, Woods turned down a reported $800m offer from LIV to leave the PGA Tour. That December, at the height of golf’s fractious rivalry, Woods felt there was no hope of a merger because Norman was in charge. “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening,” Woods said.

“As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you?

“They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organisations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it. I think it has to start with leadership on their side.”

While Woods is part of the PAC working on the merger between the PGA and LIV, McIlroy has also spent time with PIF officials. Having previously advised Norman to “exit stage left”, the Northern Irishman believed a deal would be easier to strike without Norman’s involvement.

“I think I’ve said this before, I have spent time with [PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan] and the people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, so [Greg] Norman and those guys,” McIlroy explained last year.

“I actually think there’s a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV. I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalise that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”

The launch of TGL had been delayed by a year before The Bay Golf Club scored a 9-2 win over the New York Golf Club on Tuesday. TGL is comprised of six four-man teams, with each 15-hole match split between triples and singles matchplay. Having been organized in with the PGA, TGL will be played on weekdays and is next in action on January 14.

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GOLF

Tiger Woods in the middle of controversy after paid actors were in “attendance” for TGL

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy TGL

As it prepares for a takeover of golf, recent revelations about the use of paid actors in the Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) sparked a wave of speculation and debate within the sports community.

However, TGL officials have firmly clarified the matter.

The company formed by sports executive Mike McCarley and professional golfers Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in partnership with the PGA Tour, has assured fans and critics alike that these actors are part of a specific operational strategy, not a regular feature of live events.

READ: Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods golf league earns mixed reviews following launch

The clarification serves to reassure fans who are eagerly awaiting this new chapter in golf. With a focus on innovation, the league promises to deliver excitement and accessibility to a broader audience, all while maintaining the core values of the sport.

The upcoming events are set to be a showcase of not just athletic prowess, but also the seamless integration of entertainment, technology, and fan engagement. The decision to use actors in preliminary stages is seen as a strategic move to ensure a flawless execution when the curtains rise on live broadcasts.

The innovative golf league aims to revolutionize the sport by blending traditional elements with modern entertainment. As part of their preparations, TGL has employed paid actors during dress rehearsals and for additional filmed content. This approach is akin to the use of seat fillers at high-profile award shows, ensuring a visually appealing and engaging presentation for viewers.

During the initial rollout, rumors surfaced suggesting that actors might be present at actual live events, potentially diminishing the authenticity of the audience experience. TGL responded swiftly, emphasizing that actors are used solely in controlled environments to fine-tune logistics and create supplementary content.

While the initial use of paid actors may have raised eyebrows, TGL’s transparency looks to be transforming golf for a new era. As the league moves forward, fans can look forward to witnessing a new experience of live golf, untainted by the presence of scripted participants.

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GOLF

Best is yet to come for Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, as TGL gets huge TV ratings boost

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy TGL

The opening night of TGL – the tech-infused golf league created by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy – was greeted by impressive TV viewing figures, without either man playing in the inaugural match.

TGL debuted on ESPN on Tuesday with The Bay – comprised of Wyndham Clark, Shane Lowry and Ludvig Aberg – defeating the New York team of Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler and Matt Fitzpatrick in a one-sided match.

The launch of the league created plenty of intrigue, with some of the PGA Tour’s top stars playing fantasy golf holes – including one set on an active volcano – by hitting into a massive simulator screen before moving to a dynamic short-game area with a green that rotates and changes typography for each new virtual creation – all in front of a 1,500 crowd at the bespoke SoFi Center arena in Florida.

Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

READ: Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy add insult to injury for Greg Norman at TGL launch

And viewers responded in their droves, with an average audience of 919,000 across the two-hour broadcast, with a peak of 1.1 million viewers as the players hit their first shots. Most encouragingly for TGL, which is aiming to attract younger audiences, the opening match proved to be a hit with its target demographic.

The “Worldwide Leader” reported that TGL’s opener averaged 402,270 viewers aged 18-49, accounting for 44 per cent of the viewership – a much greater proportion than a typical PGA Tour event.

The broadcast was a success in attracting younger male viewers in particular, with 77 per cent of viewers from the 18-49 bracket being male, compared to 67 per cent for the final round of The Sentry in Hawaii on Sunday.

And better numbers likely await on the horizon. Despite injuries suffered both on and off the golf course dramatically reducing Woods’ playing schedule in recent years, he remains golf’s great needle mover – evidenced by the 15-time major champion ranking top of the PGA Tour’s Player Impact Program bonus scheme for $10 million despite playing only five events in 2024.

Woods will make his TGL debut next week when his Jupiter Links Golf Club play Los Angeles, and although seeing the 49-year-old play simulator golf will not compare to the memories of him charging through the field on a Sunday, the chance to see him tee it up is sure to be appealing to both golf purists and casual fans.

And a week later, TGL will stage its headline attraction when Woods and his crew take on McIlroy’s Boston Common in primetime – without anything in the way of competition from the NFL or the College Football Playoff.

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GOLF

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy add insult to injury for Greg Norman at TGL launch

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Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy sent an invite to the man tipped to replace Greg Norman at LIV Golf to their brand-new indoor golf league.

When LIV first hit the fairways in 2022, Norman was at the helm, stirring up controversy and causing a rift in the world of professional golf. And while LIV and the PGA Tour agreed on a framework for a merger between the two promotions in June 2023, McIlroy and Woods have remained at a standoff with Aussie legend Norman.

At a ground-breaking event held on Tuesday (January 7), both McIlroy and Woods graced the inaugural match of the Tomorrow’s Golf League – an ambitious project of their joint company TMRW Sports. This innovative league marries virtual reality tech with the classic game in an indoor matchup setting, a bold step for the sport – and an invite to the event was even extended to a LIV Golf executive.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy TGL

READ: Inside the 10 most remarkable courses on Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL

According to the Sports Business Journal, Scott O’Neil – who is rumoured to be stepping into Norman’s shoes as LIV’s main man – was seen attending the TGL’s big kick-off at the SoFi Center without Norman alongside him. Speculation suggests Norman, aged 69, will be pivoted to a new position by the bosses at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, reports the Mirror US.

Back in 2022, Woods famously refused a jaw-dropping offer from LIV, speculated to be around $800m, opting to stick with the PGA Tour. That December, during the height of the tensions between the rival golf factions, Woods spoke out, doubting a merger while Norman was at the wheel.

He said: “Not right now, not with their leadership, not with Greg there and his animosity towards the tour itself. I don’t see that happening. As Rory said, I think Greg’s got to leave and then we can eventually, hopefully, have a stay between the two lawsuits and figure something out. But why would you change anything if you’ve got a lawsuit against you?

“They sued us first. I see that there’s an opportunity out there if both organisations put a stay on their litigation but that’s the problem, they’ve got to put a stay on it. I think it has to start with leadership on their side.” While Woods is actively involved in the PAC overseeing the potential PGA-LIV merger, McIlroy hasn’t shied away from engaging with PIF chiefs either.

After earlier suggesting that Norman should “exit stage left”, McIlroy believes removing Norman from the equation could pave the way for smoother negotiations. He explained last year: “I think I’ve said this before, I have spent time with [PIF chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan] and the people that have represented him in LIV I think have done him a disservice, so [Greg] Norman and those guys.

Greg Norman has been LIV Golf CEO since 2022

“I actually think there’s a really big disconnect between PIF and LIV. I think you got PIF over here and LIV are sort of over here doing their own thing. So the closer that we can get to Yasir, PIF and hopefully finalise that investment, I think that will be a really good thing.”

The TGL launch was delayed by a year prior to Tuesday’s event, which saw The Bay Golf Club clinch a 9-2 win over New York Golf Club. TGL is made up of six four-man teams, with each 15-hole match split into triples and singles play. It is set to be played on weekdays, and the next event takes place on January 15.

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GOLF

Bizarre TGL Rumor Shows Tiger Woods’s $500M League Is Rapidly Changing Pro Golf

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2025 is going to be an exciting year for the golf world.

Apart from the regular leagues commencing yet another season, the sport will also witness the advancement of technology. After several delays and setbacks, the brainchild of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy will finally launch, with January 7 being the first date of its inaugural tournament. The PGA Tour players have already begun promoting their teams ahead of the launch, and they are excited to play a completely new format.

But what makes the league so different? Well, the TGL matches will be played at the SoFi Center in Florida, and will completely be based on technology. From the putting to the witnessing. The SoFi Center is a cutting-edge, 250,000-square-foot venue located on the campus of Palm Beach State College in Florida. In TGL’s format, three players from each four-man team compete in 15-hole matches that seamlessly blend virtual and real-world golf. For longer shots, players will hit a massive 3,400-square-foot screen, approximately 24 times the size of a standard golf simulator.

SoFi Center

JUST IN: ‘We done yet?’: Tiger Woods left red-faced after being forced to watch PGA video

Each hole features a dynamic green, with its shape changing for every shot. A 41-yard-wide rotating turntable moves the green and three strategically placed bunkers, altering approach angles for each hole. Now, this surely is different from the matches played on the greens and will require different equipment. For example, having a longer shaft can increase swing speed, which in turn can generate more distance, and having drivers that can knuckle can help the ball roll out further once it hits the ground, increasing overall distance. With this, the players are changing their gears accordingly. Taking to this, Jonathan Wall reported, “With TGL on the horizon, I’m hearing a few pros have been testing different driver builds to maximize distance for screen golf. Most common are longer shafts and drivers designed to knuckle a bit more for extra rollout.”

While the new format is seemingly exciting for the players, and they are all set to experience the tech-based league, there have been several concerns among the golf community. With the league approaching, fans have raised questions about whether it will appeal to both regular viewers and golf aficionados and, at the same time, stay true to golf ethics. Well, looks like their questions too have been answered.

Taking to the concerns of the critics and the fans, the famous YouTube channel Fore Play Golf did an in-depth video on the league and called it ‘Playing at the TGL Stadium’. The main issue addressed was the fear of losing ties with the traditional norms of golf due to the simulator and the form of the venue. Sam Riggs Bozoian, one of the hosts of the podcast, shared compliments for the venue and its perfect integration of virtual fairways. “It feels like when I watch those crazy video game tournaments that have sold-out stadium and lights and it’s this mix of what you want in a real live event but with all kinds of technology,” he said. The three hosts also highlight the course, featuring real grass and sand, while discussing the unique indoor environment of TGL.

“How are you guys getting this grass?” Trent asks, startlingly. “We have our own little Turf Nursery in here in the corner,” the TGL administrators respond. “Tanner, our head greens keeper, is rocking. He’s got to keep track of the land in a divot as this is the only place in the game where you drop the ball so you got to do your knee-high drop and then we got real sand trying to take all the stuff.” To make things clearer, they also played in the ‘outrageously different’ arena. “I mean, we play a lot of golf; it’s our life, to be able to do something this different and this outrageous,” he said. The pros will have to adjust to a hybrid setup and that was a point of concern for them. They addressed that too, and said, “I have no idea what we’re doing at the moment, but it also makes you want to keep hitting these shots, which is awesome, dude. We’ve seen everything we love in our game.” And now if TGL will be a hit or not, only the conclusion of the first match will say that.

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GOLF

‘We done yet?’: Tiger Woods left red-faced after being forced to watch PGA video

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Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods was left embarrassed after being made to watch a video that showcased his PGA Tour career.

On Wednesday, the 49-year-old helped officially unveil the organisation’s new media studios, based at Ponte Vedra Beach in Florida.

And on the big screen, he was shown a montage that paid tribute to his achievements, and emphasised his 82 PGA tournament wins.

Tiger Woods

READ: Inside Tiger Woods’ relationship with ex-wife Elin after embrace 14 years on from divorce

That number makes him the joint record holder with Sam Snead, although his chances of making it 83 now appear remote given his reduced schedule.

The 15-time major champion appeared taken aback by the footage, and was left red-faced afterwards. “We done yet?” He asked awkwardly. “Golly. That’s been a career right there. That’s been a good one.”

Woods was also asked what his number of wins meant to him. “82 is a lot,” he replied, “The thing that I’m most proud of is the consistency. To have done it not just for a few years but for decades, that’s something I’m very proud of.”

The American also reflected on his favourite major win, while making a shock admission. “People are probably amazed to hear this, but most of my events I didn’t really have it,” he said.

“There were two events where I putted really well and that was at the 1997 Masters tournament and the 2000 US Open at Pebble. But the best that I ever hit it was at the 2000 British Open. I felt like I had the ball on a string and could do anything I wanted to.”

Woods famously delivered a masterclass at St Andrew’s that year. He shot four rounds in the 60s, made just three bogeys and avoided all 112 bunkers at the Old Course, finishing eight shots clear of Thomas Bjorn and Ernie Els.

The video was posted on Instagram by the official PGA Tour account, with the caption: “Hello, New World. Thank you for testing out our new digs, Tiger Woods.”

The organisation has claimed the new base will help expand its digital footprint and launch new international feeds. The PGA Tour’s current media deals run until the end of 2030.

The unveiling comes with the tour seemingly on the brink of an historic merger with LIV Golf. Talks have been ongoing between the two factions, although no official agreement has yet been reached.

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GOLF

Rory McIlroy’s PGA Tour request for ‘The Match’ proves exactly why players left for LIV Golf

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Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy has revealed it was not ‘smooth sailing’ to get the PGA Tour to agree to ‘The Showdown’ which will see McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler take on LIV Golf rivals Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.

McIlroy, Scheffler, DeChambeau and Koepka will give fans a first taste of a PGA Tour vs LIV clash, with the two pairs facing off over 18 holes with three different formats in Las Vegas on December 17. Players from opposing sides of golf’s recent fallout have only been given the chance to compete alongside each other at the four majors, after the PGA Tour opted to ban players who competed on the LIV setup.

‘The Showdown’ however will give four of the best golfers on the planet the chance to do battle away from the major stage, with bragging right’s undoubtedly up for grabs

Rory McIlroy 'changes tune' over LIV Golf and players returning to PGA Tour | The Independent

JUST IN: Rory McIlroy admits doubt over PGA Tour and LIV Golf unity ahead of Las Vegas showdown.

It comes at a time where PGA Tour bosses are continuing to negotiate with LIV backers, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) over a peace deal. Whilst the Tour have entertained interest from PIF, their relationship with LIV still appears to be modest at best.

When it comes to the merger match in Vegas next week, LIV have seemingly been keen to push the event, their latest step to allow freedom to their playing membership. DeChambeau for example has been able to make a name for himself on YouTube since joining the LIV setup, with likes of Phil Mickelson and Jon Rahm also popping up elsewhere too. The same however can not be said for the PGA Tour though, who according to McIlroy, took some convincing to give next week’s match the go ahead.

“It took a few conversations to get them to the point where they saw this could be a good thing in the long run. It took a few conversations,” McIlroy said of the Tour’s attitude towards the match. It wasn’t all smooth sailing but we got there in the end… They’ve been very supportive.”

McIlroy had previously been one of LIV’s biggest critics, having declared he ‘hated’ the Saudi-backed league even after the PGA Tour announced a framework agreement with PIF last June. Since the turn of this year though, the Northern Irishman has softened his stance, and continued his calls for unity through the power of ‘The Showdown’.

He commented “I don’t know if it was to spur things with everything that went on, it was really about us taking this into our own hands a little bit and do something outside of either tour to not only give back to the fans, but to show them or at least let them know we’re trying.”

“We’re trying to bring these players together, and the most opportunities we can get to do that, the better,” McIlroy said. “Does it remind people we’re not playing together all the time? Yes. But at least we’re making the effort to try to bring the best together more often. If we can start by doing something like this, that’s only a good thing.”

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