In a period like no other, the world of golf finds itself in a battling civil war following the controversial introduction of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series last week. The newly born circuit has seemingly trampled on the soul of the sport, leaving the iconic traditions and integrity in its wake.
The mega money on offer has lured away some of the golf’s biggest names - with the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Ian Poulter all pledging their allegiances to Greg Norman’s new Saudi-backed golfing empire. Despite pocketing millions, the breakaway rebels could well have surrendered their biggest asset of all in PGA Tour membership.
LIV Golf’s founding playing members have all been issued suspensions from the PGA Tour’s chief Jay Monahan, with further sanctions from the likes of the Masters and Ryder Cup expected.
As well as the sport’s leading circuit turning its back on the LIV rebels, a number of fellow stars - and friends - have rejected their new allegiances, drawing a big split between the world’s best. The man flying the flag for team PGA Tour - and holding golf’s moral compass - has been Rory McIlroy.
The Northern Irishman has strongly opposed the idea of a ‘Saudi Golf League’ from the start, and has not let up from his post following its inception - speaking strongly against his peers’ contentious decision to make the switch. Despite the recent split, the Northern Irishman will once again be side-by-side with the breakaway players, after the USGA announced that LIV Golf members will be allowed to compete at this week’s US Open.
Whilst tensions no doubt remain high, a week of major golf could well be exactly what the sport needs following the recent turmoil. Unlike other sports, the game of golf is one that prides itself on its deep rooted traditions but this has seemingly been traded for a leap in the dark payout from Norman’s team.
What better way to relight these traditions than at one of golf’s most historic events, with one of its four most prized titles the line. Known as one of golf’s oldest competitions, the US Open typifies everything that is right with competitive professional golf. Competing for a title that is nearly 130 years old, often on a course setup that is the hardest on the calendar - the American-based major brings out the best in the world’s top players.
The evidence is clear. Five of the last seven US Open champions have all been world top 10 players when claiming their major crown, showing the sheer strength of one golf’s prized events, and this is exactly what golf fans want to see. Last week proves the perfect example. Despite the mega-money on offer, the inaugural LIV Invitational event in St Albans saw the world No. 117 in Charl Scwartzel do battle with the world No. 128 Hennie Du Plessis for the title.
Who do you think will win this week's US Open? Let us know in the comments section below.
Meanwhile over 3,500 miles away the PGA Tour was showcasing what professional sport is all about. Two of the world’s best in McIlroy and Justin Thomas going head-to-head at the Canadian Open in front of a bumper Toronto crowd. Now, throw into a tough-testing iconic course, and a major title, and the scenes witnessed in Canada last week will only touch the surface of what could well play out at The County Club come this Sunday.
There is nothing quite like a major Sunday in golf, and come this week’s final round in Massachusetts, the trials and tribulations of the civil war breaking out within the sport will be put to the back of every golf fan’s mind. A cleanse from the LIV controversy thanks to a week at one of golf's most historic competitions is without question exactly what the sport needs.
