Why Are So Many People Against LIV Golf?

LIV Golf is one of the most talked-about topics for golfers all over the world in 2023, and one of the reasons for that is that very many people are against it. But why is that? 

In this article, we’ll cover the four biggest reasons why LIV is receiving so much hate, and how the new league could impact the game of golf. 

#1. Taking Away PGA Tour Stars 

A contender for the biggest reason why many golfers dislike LIV is the taking away of PGA Tour stars. These include some of golf’s best talents, like Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, and Cameron Smith. Some of the most impressive golf drivers in all of golf!

Many Fans are Angry

There have been some very hypocritical sayings by new LIV members, like Phil Mickelson. Phil described LIV as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for him. However, he also said in an interview that Saudi Arabia has a horrible track record on human rights and that the country’s leaders are “scary.” Many fans question how it’s a great opportunity when these factors are also in play. 

The PGA Tour Is Not Innocent Though

Understandably, people are sad to see their golf idols leave the tours they’ve always played on, especially when it seems like money is the only real part of why.

However, the PGA Tour has also lured away talent from the European Tour, now known as the DP World Tour, by offering bigger paychecks. This is not something PGA has confessed to, but it’s something that’s done in most sports in the world. 

#2. Saudi Arabian Funding Is Controversial

Perhaps the most significant reason for LIV Golf’s controversies is the Saudi Arabian funding. LIV is backed, and receives most of its money, from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which has plenty of cash to burn. 

Saudi Arabian funding is controversial for many reasons, and they don’t all have to do with golf. 

Human, Civil, and Political Rights Issues

Saudi Arabia is infamously known for its horrible track record on human rights. The country is not a democracy in any shape or form, as it’s controlled by the Saudi Arabian Monarchy. This is not something a large part of the Western golfing world appreciates.

There is also a big question of ethics regarding whether it’s right to use so-called “blood money” to create a sports league, and if the golfers accepting big paychecks are doing something immoral. 

#3. LIV Is Breaking the Norm and Tradition 

Golf is a sport that heavily relies on tradition, both in the way to act and play the game. It’s also a sport that praises traits like integrity, discretion, and sportsmanship, which has been the case for over a hundred years. 

Many golfers believe that LIV is breaking these traditions, making them hurt the soul of golf. This can be debated, but it’s undoubtedly true in some aspects.

Firstly, golfers on LIV get to wear clothes for tournaments that are not allowed on the likes of the PGA Tour. Secondly, LIV has fast shotgun starts to make events take less time. Thirdly, LIV events contain 18 fewer holes, making the sport less athletic. And lastly, there are no cuts on LIV. 

#4. Potentially Ruining the Competitive Side of Golf 

Another argument that’s been brought up by anti-LIV golfers is that the new league could severely damage the competitive side of golf. There are many reasons for making this argument, and whether they’re valid or not is up to you to decide.

LIV attracted so much talent mainly for two reasons: big payouts and less stress. You don’t have to perform on LIV to make money, especially when considering that golfers like Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson received over $100 million each only to join, making it in many ways unnecessary for them to improve.

Conclusion

LIV Golf is shaking things up for the traditional game of golf, and many golfers disapprove of the Saudi-backed league. There are many valid reasons for concern, including Saudi Arabia’s human rights issues and norm-breaking playing styles, but whether you approve of the league or not is entirely up to you.