PGA Tour star Justin Thomas believes LIV Golf’s recruitment drive in the off-season wasn’t as successful as some have made out.
Justin Thomas is skeptical about the extent of LIV Golf’s success in their recruitment efforts during the off-season.
LIV concluded their second season in October and have since signed Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton as new additions to their team.
It is believed that Adrian Meronk, the DP World Tour player of the year, and the Australian Lucas Herbert will complete LIV’s team for the 2024 season.
You will likely have your own opinion on the topic but there is no doubt that Rahm’s signature was a major coup for the breakaway tour.
It caused panic in the corridors of power and stressed the importance of the circuits aligning their commercial interests.
But it was alleged multiple names would make the leap. Phil Mickelson, LIV’s posterboy, laid down that claim four months ago.
LIV chief executive, Greg Norman, also backed up Mickelson’s assertion multiple stars would make their way over.
“They haven’t gotten anything close to what he’s kind of said,” Thomas explained to reporters before the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
“It sounded like they were going to sign 10 or 15 people this however many months and haven’t.”
Thomas stated that he currently believes that the more significant narrative, rather than focusing on who will be next, revolves around the competitiveness of LIV players in major competitions.
He expressed his belief that ultimately, those players who are currently performing at their best or are still in their prime prioritize major tournaments rather than their overall season on the golf course.
“I think that the storylines in my opinion will continue to be if those guys play well in major championships and win major championships.
,I’m not over it”
Thomas, 30, also offered his take on the aforementioned Hatton’s decision to join LIV.
It has been alleged the Englishman and World No.16 has signed a contract worth £50m.
Rory McIlroy told reporters he has now changed his tune completely about LIV players returning to the P butGA Tour.
He also had no qualms about Hatton’s choice to accept life-changing money.
Thomas said: “I’m not over it, it’s just kind of is what it is.
In my opinion, individuals have varied perspectives which I have come to understand during this entire journey. People naturally have different ways of thinking, but some individuals have the authority to make decisions based on what they believe is most beneficial. “I may have disagreements with a few of them, but ultimately, if that is what Tyrrell believes is the most suitable decision for himself, then he should pursue it.”
I am clearly disappointed and would prefer for him to not be absent, but I have no intention of contacting him to persuade him otherwise.
“I believe he has completed his homework and investigation and believes it’s the most suitable choice, although I suppose it can’t be changed.”