In a candid interview following his opening round at The Open Championship, golf legend Ernie Els did not hold back as he expressed his frustration with PGA Tour leadership and their recent deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). Els, a former Open Championship winner, called out PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan for a lack of transparency and criticized the impact of the LIV Golf deal on professional golf.
Ernie Els, fondly known as the ‘Big Easy,’ made his discontent abundantly clear during his post-round interview. He held nothing back, stating that if this situation had occurred during his prime, Monahan would not have remained in his position. Els emphasized the need for transparency and communication between tour officials and players, expressing disappointment at the lack thereof in the Saudi-backed deal.
Els highlighted the importance of open dialogue and negotiation, urging tour officials to involve players directly when undertaking significant changes. As a member of the PGA Tour Board, Els found it disconcerting that an agreement of such magnitude was reached without adequate consultation. He stressed the impact of these decisions on people’s lives and the professional game itself, deeming it unacceptable.
The controversy surrounding the PGA Tour’s deal with the Saudi Public Investment Fund did not escape Els’ attention. The primary beneficiary of this agreement, LIV Golf, acted as a rival circuit that enticed several former PGA Tour players with lucrative offers. Els expressed his dismay and described LIV Golf as nothing more than “circus golf,” insisting that the focus should remain on competitive, traditional golf played worldwide.
Ernie Els firmly believes in the value of individual competition and the significance of grinding one’s way into major tournaments, much like Tiger Woods and other greats have done. He cited the PGA Tour as the premier platform for professional golf, emphasizing its role in fostering healthy competition and creating opportunities for players to showcase their skills. Els urged PGA Tour leadership to align its actions with the interests of both players and the integrity of the game.
The Business Press 