Xander Schauffele, the newly crowned PGA Championship winner, has no interest in joining the rival Saudi-backed golf league, LIV Golf. Despite winning his first major and the exemptions that come with it, Schauffele’s father stated there is “no chance” his son will abandon the PGA Tour. Schauffele is focused on legacy rather than money and has made it clear that he will not consider switching leagues unless there is no path back to the PGA Tour or a chance at earning World Ranking points.
One of the major issues facing LIV Golf is the failure to receive world ranking accreditation for its tournaments. LIV initially applied for accreditation from the Official World Golf Ranking board in July 2022, but their bid was rejected in October. Following this rejection, LIV’s Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman publicly criticized the OWGR rankings system. Despite this setback, LIV is still represented at major tournaments due to exemptions, with players like Bryson DeChambeau, who finished second at the PGA Championship, showcasing their talents.
Xander Schauffele made history at the PGA Championship by posting the lowest winning score in the 132-year history of majors played over 72 holes. His victory solidified his legacy in the sport and proved that he is a force to be reckoned with on the PGA Tour. Despite the allure of money and opportunities in other leagues, Schauffele remains committed to competing on the PGA Tour and building his legacy in the sport of golf.
LIV Golf has been actively recruiting top players in an attempt to rival established tours like the PGA Tour. However, some players, like Xander Schauffele, prioritize their legacy over financial incentives and are not swayed by offers from rival leagues. The failure to receive world ranking accreditation has been a major obstacle for LIV, but the league continues to be represented at major tournaments through exemptions for players like Bryson DeChambeau. The competition between traditional tours and emerging leagues is intensifying, as players weigh their options and determine the best path for their careers.
Despite the challenges faced by LIV Golf, the league remains committed to establishing itself as a viable competitor to established tours like the PGA Tour. The controversy surrounding world ranking accreditation and the recruitment of top players are just a few of the issues that LIV is navigating as it seeks to carve out a space in the golf industry. With players like Xander Schauffele choosing to remain on the PGA Tour and prioritize their legacy over financial opportunities, LIV must continue to evolve and adapt to attract top talent and grow its presence in the sport. The future of golf is filled with uncertainty and competition, as leagues vie for players and fans in a rapidly changing landscape.
