One of the biggest debates swarming around the breakaway, Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series is whether this new version of professional tournament golf is the secret to growing the game. The day before the Open Championship started, R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers waded in with some forceful words on the subject.
“I would also like to say that in my opinion the continued commentary that this is about growing the game is just not credible and if anything, is harming the perception of our sport which we are working so hard to improve,” said Slumbers in a statement at the start of his pre-tournament press conference.
“We believe the game needs to focus on increasing participation, achieving greater diversity, and making sure that golf is truly open to all, rather than this narrow debate involving a small number of players.”
“As importantly, it detracts from what makes golf, as Arnold Palmer stated, the greatest sport that mankind ever invented. Golf is far more than just professional golf, and we should all remember that.”
VIDEO: What Is LIV Golf?
From the money to the size of the field, there are many aspects to the new LIV Golf proposition that are challenging the status quo. I can understand how some of these elements are creating a narrative that might be harming the perception of the game. What’s more, you get the feeling there’s plenty more twists and turns to come.
Of course, we all have an opinion and it’s entirely possible that you might not like certain elements of the proposal but be open to others. I’d certainly fall into that camp. Given that, with only two events played, it’s still very much in its infancy, it seems to me a little too early to write off its growing-the-game credentials as ‘not credible’. Let me explain.
One of the biggest problems the current 72-hole format has is that as you reach the denouement, there are fewer golfers on the course and naturally less is happening. A combination of ad breaks and commentator conversation are left to fill frequent breaks in play. During the…
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