4-time major winner Ernie Els renews assault against LIV: ‘Not proper golf
Ernie Els, a four-time major champion, continues to criticize LIV golf and considers it unsuitable for the sport.
Despite never receiving a LIV Golf offer, Ernie Els claims that he would have declined it even if he had. The four-time major champion has remained firm in his decision.
He further adds that the game played in the league, which has been around for three seasons, is not considered “real golf.”
Els’ position regarding LIV has not changed.
In an interview with yellowhammernews.com, a media organization based in Alabama, he shared his latest opinions this week.
While participating in the Regions Tradition, which is PGA Tour Champions’ initial major tournament of the year, Els was interviewed. Head over to our website for more information regarding this event.
Els’ recent statements are consistent with his previous remarks made in the past few years.
Around one month after LIV’s first event in July 2022, Els disclosed to Alan Bastable from GOLF that he wouldn’t have joined the series during his prime years. However, he acknowledged why other players would opt for it due to the extravagant monetary incentives. “I understand that people take part because of the exorbitant financial rewards and when you reach a certain point in your career, you have to consider it,” commented Els.
Nonetheless, traditional golf is no longer apparent as it has evolved into an entirely distinct entity.
What are his issues?
Els told Bastable that he would think about participating if the format were 72 holes. But since it’s only a 54-hole event with no cut and starting off simultaneously, it appears to be an insignificant season of golfing.
Els spoke to the Palm Beach Post in February last year about his improved relationships with Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Louis Oosthuizen since they left PGA Tour for LIV. He voiced disapproval of the league for its disruption of golf’s values. It should be noted that Els has not exclusively criticized LIV.
LIV received funding from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund in June of last year as part of an agreement with the Tour.
Only three people on the Tour side were involved in negotiating the deal, including Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. As a result of this, Els became displeased with Monahan.
Els told Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig that if this had happened during his prime, the individual would not have made it. Additionally, Els is of the opinion that changes need to be implemented in the board.
It is not acceptable to engage in such behavior. Els strongly recommends that the board communicate with players and include them in decision making.
It is inappropriate to make independent decisions and anticipate unanimous agreement from others. Els stresses the substantial effects these choices can have on both individuals’ livelihoods and the professional realm.
In his perspective, such conduct is highly adverse.
Els advocated for the deal in Sports Illustrated, recommending that the Tour proceed with finalizing it because of the potential financial gains from Saudi Arabia.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Els restated his position on LIV in an article featured on yellowhammernews.com. He voiced apprehension about how this issue could harm our sport. His viewpoint was reiterated in the piece.
Els acknowledged that he is acquainted with certain Saudi players who possess a genuine love for golf.
In his view, the present arrangement for the LIV Golf Invitational does not constitute genuine golf. Els further declared that he would decline to take part in such a format even if he were at any point in his career.
This statement was also made by Els in the article published on yellowhammernews.com.
I believe that the present LIV golf format is ineffective.
A two-month season for team golf could potentially be incorporated into the global schedule wherein teams play together.
Nonetheless, the remainder of the year ought to be reserved for engaging in conventional golf.