LIV Golf's U-turn: A Controversial Move?
In a surprising twist, LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed golf league, has decided to abandon its unique 54-hole format and adopt the traditional 72-hole tournament structure. This unexpected shift has sparked curiosity and raised questions among golf enthusiasts and players alike.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the decision to extend the tournament length is believed to be a response to player pressure. LIV Golf, once a trailblazer in the golf world, is now mirroring the schedules of established golf tours.
LIV's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, defended the change, stating, "Successful leagues evolve. LIV Golf is no different." However, the degree of innovation here is questionable, as the 72-hole format is not exactly groundbreaking in the world of golf.
And this is the part most people miss: some LIV players felt unprepared for major championships due to the shorter format. With many players owning equity in LIV teams, the league's decision to align with traditional golf tours might be a strategic move to gain recognition from the official world-ranking system.
Two-time major winner Jon Rahm, a LIV player, supports the change, saying, "Moving to 72 holes strengthens the competition and gives us more opportunities to compete at the highest level." Dustin Johnson, another double major champion, agrees, adding that playing 72 holes feels more like the big tournaments they're used to.
However, this move presents a public relations challenge. Greg Norman, O'Neil's predecessor, had previously explained the significance of the name 'LIV,' which is the Roman numeral for 54, representing the lowest possible score on a par-72 course. The name also refers to the number of holes played in each event.
So, is LIV Golf's U-turn a smart strategic move or a step back from its innovative roots? What do you think? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
