Viktor Hovland questions PGA Tour strategy with LIV Golf comparison
Viktor Hovland, one of the most popular players on the PGA Tour, has had his say on the peace talks between the circuit and LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia
Golf star Viktor Hovland has cast doubt on the PGA Tour's strategy in their ongoing discussions with LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.
Hovland, who has risen to popularity on the PGA Tour and faced speculation about joining LIV Golf, has chosen to remain loyal to the PGA Tour. He recently weighed in on the stalled peace talks between the two entities.
Despite some progress earlier in the year, the negotiations have yet to reach a resolution, even with President Donald Trump's involvement.
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Hovland suggested that the PGA Tour should have emphasized its storied past instead of attempting to outspend PIF. Speaking to Fried Egg Golf, Hovland remarked: "Everything could get better for sure.
"Especially the messaging the last couple of years...certainly against LIV Tour emerging... The PGA Tour didn't really go with the best strategy. They had leverage-historical events, tradition. They should've honed in on that. Playing the money game... it's tough to compete against the Saudis."
Hovland reminisced about the Travelers Championship, highlighting the memorable moments that define the PGA Tour: "Back at the Travelers, it's a great event. You remember that shot, that champion. That's what makes the PGA Tour. That's why people tune in."
The task of brokering a deal now falls to Brian Rolapp, the newly appointed PGA Tour CEO and former NFL executive.
In an intriguing transition period for golf's leadership, the newly on-board commissioner will spend his inaugural 18 months working directly with Jay Monahan until Monahan's exit following his current contract's culmination. Last week, the media got their first glimpse of Brian Rolapp in action as he tackled big questions about golf’s divisive climate.
"Yeah, I think everyone is talking about that," Rolapp responded, touching upon the split within the sport. He expressed his approach: "My view is I come in with a pretty clean sheet of paper. I also come in knowing that there's a lot to learn. Everything that works in the football world may not work in the golf world.
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"When it comes to that situation, particularly, I think the fans have been pretty clear. They want to see the best golfers competing against each other. I think everybody as a golf fan. I agree with that.
"When it comes to the situation with LIV, I think that's a complex situation that's probably something I should learn more about before I speak. But I will say my focus is on growing the Tour, making it better, and really moving on from the position of strength that it has."
