Viktor Hovland has shared his thoughts LIV Golf and PGA Tour’s feud and potential merger, while chiming in on the sport’s obsession with money over the past few years
Viktor Hovland has expressed disappointment in the emphasis on prize money in golf, calling it “a bit sad” in light of the current situation involving LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. In recent years, money has caused division in the sport as many top players have abandoned the PGA Tour to join the Saudi-backed league LIV Golf, thereby excluding themselves from major tournaments like the Ryder Cup.
Professional golfers like Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, and Jon Rahm have received lucrative contracts from LIV Golf, which surpass what the PGA Tour could offer.
These players have chosen to join a new alternative league instead of continuing to be a part of the renowned tour.
However, the PGA Tour is now said to be in advanced talks to merge with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, which bankrolls LIV Golf, despite multiple big-name stars in the sport wanting nothing to do with the latter.
Hovland, who remained on the PGA Tour, did not hide his concerns for the PGA Tour and golf in general, with him not being a fan of the way the sport has changed.
During an interview on the Son of a Butch podcast, he expressed amusement at the current state of affairs in the world of golf.
He hopes for a resolution in the future so that he can continue to compete at top golf courses and tournaments against the best players.
The exact way in which this will happen remains uncertain, but it is his desire to see it come to fruition.
One month earlier, the PGA Tour agreed to a £2.37 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group (SSG) and engaged in ongoing discussions with the Saudi sovereign wealth fund supporting LIV Golf.
Ever since LIV Golf was established in 2022, a financial rivalry has developed between the new league and the PGA Tour, resulting in larger prizes exceeding £17 million becoming a regular occurrence.
According to Hovland, LIV is generating a significant amount of revenue for the sport and the increased competition is positive. However, he feels that the PGA Tour is too focused on money and finds it disappointing.