Former PGA of America CEO, Seth Waugh has called the LIV Golf League “a failed economic experiment” but says the PIF-backed circuit is not the only tour which badly needs a unification deal sooner rather than later.
Speaking to Golfweek, Waugh discussed a range of topics relating to the game of golf – including Ryder Cup pay, his impact as PGA of America CEO, and the current state of the sport.
More than six months on from the 66-year-old’s departure and hurtling towards two years after the initial framework agreement was agreed between the PGA Tour, the Saudi PIF and the DP World Tour, a concrete coalition deal of sorts is yet to be signed.
As a result, men’s pro golf has witnessed fans and sponsors drifting away with a lack of regular and meaningful competition between the world’s absolute best talent.
However, with Greg Norman having been replaced as LIV CEO by Scott O’Neil and a golf-enthused President returning to the Oval Office, Waugh admitted he could now see something being agreed in the near future.
US President Donald Trump (right) may help to expedite a deal, according to Waugh
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Asked how he sees the current division in golf playing out, Waugh said: “I’m surprised it’s taken as long as it has. It’s complicated, but I’ve done a lot of complicated things that haven’t taken this long. That part of it is sort of indefensible.
“I think there will be a deal for a couple fundamental reasons. You and I have had this conversation, but LIV is a failed economic experiment. Disruption needs one of two things, hopefully both: you need a better product or you need better pricing. No way you can say they’re a superior product and they have no pricing because there’s no economics. It’s not sustainable.
“I don’t care how much money you have, burning it doesn’t feel very good. And I don’t see any way out for them. I don’t see light at the end of the tunnel where it’s gonna transform that league. So they need a deal.
“And then the Tour needs one as well. SSG, the new owners, need one. There’s no question fandom is shrinking and sponsors are getting edgy because they’re being asked to pay more for something that’s less.
“It’s not a crisis, but every week that goes by is like a dull ache. Both sides need a deal and I think now you have a new…
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