JUSTIN THOMAS DOUBLES DOWN ON RICKIE FOWLER CLAIM.

Justin Thomas has echoed the sentiment held by Rickie Fowler regarding a potential return to the PGA Tour for LIV golfers.
Justin Thomas thinks that professional golfers who chose to leave the PGA Tour in order to participate in LIV should not be granted a straightforward comeback to the PGA Tour.   

Thomas addressed the media before the WM Phoenix Open to explain his stance on a possible merging of the two leagues, echoing Rickie Fowler’s view that players should not be given a simple comeback opportunity. 

His comments come only weeks after Rory McIlroy completed a full U-turn on the issue after he claimed that players should be allowed back and that ‘it’s hard to punish people’.

Amidst the looming prospect of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s proposed merger with the PGA Tour, the future of a joint tour that could reunite the world’s top players hangs in uncertainty.

Amidst the looming prospect of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s proposed merger with the PGA Tour, the future of a joint tour that could reunite the world’s top players hangs in uncertainty.

The recent $3b deal between the PGA Tour and SSG, a consortium of US-based investors pledging $1.3 billion in immediate and future equity for PGA Tour players, further muddles the picture.

It’s now unclear if the involvement of PIF will remain necessary for the PGA Tour’s progression.

In this ambiguous landscape, the fate of a potential unification between LIV and the PGA Tour remains up in the air. However, Justin Thomas hasn’t held back from expressing his views on what should happen to players seeking to rejoin the North American circuit.

He said:

“I would say that there’s a handful of players on LIV that would make the tour a better place, but I’m definitely not in the agreement that they should just be able to come back that easily.
“I think there’s a lot of us that made sacrifices and were very — whether it’s true to our word or what we believe in or just didn’t make that decision, and I totally understand that things are changing and things are getting better, but it just would — I would have a hard time with it, and I think a lot of guys would have a hard time with it, and I’m sure we don’t need to convince you why we would have a hard time with it.”

While Thomas appears reluctant to give LIV golfers an easy path back onto the PGA Tour, he hasn’t ruled out the idea of them returning entirely.

“I think there’s a scenario somewhere, whatever it is, down the road of some kind of version of some guys being back, but when and what that is, I have no idea.”

Questioned about the SSG’s new partnership with the PGA Tour and the cash injection received as part of the deal, Thomas seemed uncertain of what kind of impact it would have, but remained optimistic that it would benefit both the players and the fans, he added:

“I am not sure about that.   As you mentioned, they do not become successful individuals without a reason, and they do not invest so much money just for the sake of enjoying golf.   It is obvious that they consider it as an investment, and they expect it to grow.   This is exciting not only for players like me but also for golf fans, as the sport’s growth will enhance the quality of our product, making it more enjoyable for spectators.   

Every aspect of the sport should continue to improve, becoming more watchable, enjoyable, and attracting more fans.   This aspect of golf excites me as both a player and a fan.”