A group of PGA Tour stars have risen to the defence of rival player Patrick Cantlay after the 2021 FeEx Cup champion was accused of staging a 'coup' against the Tour.
The suggestion was made by Golfweek in regard to the PGA Tour's decision to sign an agreement with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), which will see them operate in unison with their LIV Golf rivals. According to the report, Cantlay was allegedly rallying he and his fellow players against the Tour's Policy Board in regard to the Saudi deal.
In the aftermath, a number of the American star's fellow competitors have leaped to support him, including PGA Tour Player Advisory chairman Adam Scott.
Scott was the first to defend Cantlay, taking to Instagram to call out out the coup reports. Labelling the proposed rally 'faceless speculation', the Australian wrote: "These are serious times for golf and there are many serious matters. Should articles like this form part of the debate?
“Putting aside personal barbs and fluffy adjectives would be helpful, dealing with facts presented with integrity far superior. Talk of a Cantlay coup d’état - really? Perhaps some proof rather than faceless speculation? Cheap shots at players 'value charisma'? Clearly, many companies value the players.
"Those players must be entitled to some time and information to decide what is palatable and what is not, after an about-face of Tour management policy. The process will likely be best served with objectivity and truth.”
Soon after Scott's post was shared by a number of fellow stars. Rickie Fowler was the first, as he posted Scott's post onto his feed. And he was soon followed by Will Zalatoris and Justin Thomas as players made it clear they back Cantlay.
Following the announcement on June 6, it still remains to be seen what the future holds for professional golf. Earlier this week, further details on the plans emerged in a leaked framework agreement.
The PGA Tour and PIF submitted a framework document on the deal to the US Senate. Outlining the up-in-the-air future of LIV Golf, the document claims the new joint entity 'NewCo' will determine what comes next for the breakaway circuit.
"Subject to execution of the definitive agreements, (a) NewCo will undertake a full and objective empirical data-driven evaluation of LIV and its prospects and potential and will make a good faith assessment of the benefits of team golf in general," It read. "PIF, the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour will work together in an effort to determine how best to integrate team golf into PGA Tour and DP World Tour events going forward."
