The merger talks continue to drag on with no conclusion in sight, even after a lot of discussion. Meanwhile, the rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has only grown fiercer. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has now entered the battlefield, delivering a stinging jab at Jay Monahan’s PGA Tour during a charged offseason update. Recently, LIV Golf shared the third episode of the LIV TO WIN series on the YouTube channel. The video featured the current CEO, Scott O’Neil, who talked about a lot of positive things about the league. While doing so, he also took a jab at the PGA Tour, saying, “The world needs a global sports league for golf, and LIV is the solution and the answer.” Compared to the PGA Tour, LIV Golf hosts its events all around the world, which opens up the sport to a wider audience, and this, in turn, helps attract talent from all corners of the world.
He dived into the details and also fired a seven-word jab and added, “We have the star power, we have the right markets, we put on world-class events, and now we need time. Think about the DNA you have to have to leave the comfort bubble of the PGA and go try something special and new.” Maximum of the events of the PGA Tour are limited to North America, which limits the exposure of not only the sport but also the players. O’Neil wasn’t done praising the league as he further added, “We have the greatest players in the world with a world-class schedule on a world-class network. We’re going to the moon and back, very quickly. I want the debate to be about who’s the greatest golfer on this tour.”
On one side, it seems true as LIV Golf has legends like Phil Mickelson, respected golfers like Bryson DeChambeau, and more. Interestingly, they are also dedicated to the Saudi-backed league. So, the CEO doesn’t want to talk about anything else but the improvement of LIV and added, “That’s where I want our conversation to be. Let’s get back to why we’re here. Let’s get back to the power of golf, the power of competition.”
The merger talks are still ongoing and have yet to conclude. So instead of focusing on that, the CEO is focusing on making the circuit better. Speaking of a merger, a few months ago, Rory McIlroy said, “I don’t think it’s ever felt that close,” about the proposed deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit. Even former President Trump’s efforts to mediate haven’t helped.
The PGA Tour proposed a new deal offering the Saudis a $500 million credit on their $1.5 billion investment to absorb LIV Golf. However, there are still no concrete updates about when it will happen, and surprisingly, O’Neil is fine even if it doesn’t happen. That’s right.
Scott O’Neil believes they don’t need a deal
Earlier this month, Bob Harig, golf writer for Sports Illustrated, shared an update saying, “LIV Golf CEO Is Prepared to Move On Without PGA Tour Deal.” O’Neil dived into his reasons and gave a straight answer. “If the deal can help grow the game of golf, I’ll jump in with two feet,” he said at Trump National Doral ahead of LIV Golf’s Miami event. However, even if it doesn’t happen, it won’t make much of a difference, as per him.
To this, he added, “Do we have to do a deal? No. It would be nice to do a deal, so long as we’re all focused on the same things. So, do we have to do a deal or need a deal? Whatever word you use, leave that to somebody smarter than me.” From this and the aforementioned statements, it’s clear that the only thing Scott O’Neil cares about is improving the LIV Golf instead of focusing on anything else.
What do you think about Scott O’Neil’s stance on the merger? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
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