As I continually emphasize to anyone willing to listen, golf is facing challenges at the elite level due to the apparent standoff and lack of cooperation between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. This division has undoubtedly caused confusion and fragmentation among fans, making it difficult for them to follow where their favorite players are competing and which tournaments hold real significance. The changing allegiances and restrictions on participation in certain events have diminished the weekly excitement that once kept fans engaged throughout the season. Golfers in my area of Rotherham are starting to turn off their TVs, hopefully just temporarily. When lifelong fans begin to disengage and focus only on the Majors, it signals a growing disconnect between the sport's traditional appeal and its current situation. Golf has always flourished on consistency, tradition, and the bond between players and fans, which is now being strained by this ongoing conflict. This cannot be beneficial for the game. Hopefully, those in charge will recognize this and work towards a solution that benefits all golf enthusiasts.
My next event is The Belfry for the Betfred British Masters on the DP World Tour, where I am encouraged to see LIV Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton participating. This marks the beginning of the Ryder Cup points qualifying list for Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage in the US. Let’s hope Tyrrell’s return to the DP World Tour signifies a move towards common sense by the respective tours. They must protect their positions and adhere to their membership regulations for the benefit of their players and tours. However, occasionally, a leap of faith and a can-do attitude are necessary for the greater good. Let’s hope the involved parties are ready to take this step sooner rather than later.
On the range at LIV Golf events, I hear that many LIV Golf players plan to participate in some tournaments on the DP World Tour after the LIV Golf season ends next month. This is the best news I’ve heard in a while and can only be positive for TV viewers and fans, who may have been overlooked during the conflict. Meanwhile, congratulations to Brooks Koepka on his win at LIV Golf Greenbrier in West Virginia. In my view, when he is on form, he is arguably the best, not just for his ball striking but also for his mental focus, which I witnessed firsthand at Greenbrier. It was a significant win for the 34-year-old, who shot rounds of 64, 64, and 63 for a 19 under par total, with only two fives and nothing worse over 54 holes.
A note for readers: the Old White Course at Greenbrier is challenging. We have seen scores in the low 60s by many players last week, including Bryson DeChambeau’s 58 in last year’s LIV Golf event. The course has a rich history, having hosted The Ryder Cup in 1979 and the Solheim Cup in 1994, among other PGA Tour events. It measured 7,299 yards for LIV Golf and played at a par 70. Brooks hit 15, 16, and again 16 of 18 greens in regulation during his three rounds, an impressive strike rate of 87%. Combined with a strong putting performance of 27, 28, and 28 putts for the three rounds, he emerged as the champion. Brooks displayed golf at its highest standard, and we should all celebrate that. After all, he is a five-time Major winner with plenty of time ahead of him. Peter Cowen, at 73, is arguably the most successful coach in professional golf, with numerous wins to his name. He runs Peter Cowen Golf Academies at Emirates Golf Club and Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, with his headquarters in Rotherham, England.
