The Arrival Of LIV Golf: Is It About To Divide The Sport For Good?

As each week passes, we inch slower towards the much anticipated, yet controversial, opening event for the Greg Norman-led LIV Golf Invitational. Their first event is set to take place from June 9-11 at Centurion Golf Club in England.

We know that Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour has officially denied the request from many of its’ players to partake in the event. A list of players that includes Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, and Ian Poulter.

However, we have yet to hear much since. So, the question remains, is this upcoming weekend going to divide the sport? And will it be good or bad for the golf?

When June 9th arrives at Centurion, it remains to be seen what the field will actually look like. We know that at least 170 entries have registered for the tournament, and we should soon find out exactly who will be part of this historic field.

The first LIV Golf event and the return of the Canadian Open will coincide on June 9th.

That same weekend the PGA Tour will return to Canada for the RBC Canadian Open, and as a resident of the Great White North, I cannot wait to attend.

Those who have already committed to play in the Open include 4 of the top-15 players in the World, including Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Smith, Rory McIlroy, and Dustin Johnson.

A growing event on the Tour, due to its high purse and electric crowd, is surely waiting on the commitment of many more potentially interested in LIV Golf events.

Will Phil play in the first LIV Golf event?

After hearing of his denied request, American Phil Mickelson chose not to defend his PGA Championship title at Southern Hills, indicating that he may truly switch Tours and essentially terminate his relationship with the PGA Tour and its’ many fans.

A risky move, but for a golfer with his money and accolades, I’m sure that he’ll be fine. What remains to be seen is if other golfers chose to follow and risk not having a Tour to come back to, if and when the LIV Tour fizzles out.

With so much uncertainty, what’s clear is that this conflict has torn the sport in two, creating anger and hostility among golfers, media, and its’ fans.

No one will be happy when their favorite golfers are spread out amongst several events, forcing them to switch between channels throughout each week. Oh, and it’s’ evident that the golfers on Tour are getting sick of answering the same questions each week, just ask Rory McIlroy, who is clearly tired of this constant debate.

Will this divide grow the game of golf on a global scale? Maybe. Will it also continue to create division and frustration amongst the Tour’s top players and executives? Absolutely.

When one of the best golfers to ever play the sport slowly abandons the Tour that led to his success for decades, it’s simply sad to see.

While these next two weeks will be bumpy and drama-filled, they should provide some more clarity on the status of Norman’s first event and who will test the LIV Golf waters, so stay tuned.