Veteran PGA Tour pro goes on almighty (!) LIV Golf rant: "Everybody freaks out"

Veteran PGA Tour player Jimmy Walker has blasted the new FedEx Cup format, saying the LIV Golf-induced changes are 'bull---'.

Ben Smith

17 Sep 2023

Veteran PGA Tour pro goes on almighty (!) LIV Golf rant: "Everybody freaks out" — Veteran PGA Tour pro goes on almighty (!) LIV Golf rant: "Everybody freaks…

Peter Malnati has responded to the claims made by PGA Tour veteran Jimmy Walker.

In case you missed it, Walker sounded off to Golfweek's Adam Schupak about the tour's reimagined fall schedule.

GolfMagic has already written everything you need to know about the FedEx Cup Fall.

As far as Walker is concerned, he believes the changes that were prompted by LIV Golf means the tour is only taking care of themselves.

The adjustments to the FedEx Cup format will see only 70 players make it to the postseason.

That number used to be 125 but players outside the bracket have been left to fight it out for their 2024 playing rights.

Some notable names are in danger of losing their PGA Tour cards whereas the lucrative, $20m signature events seem something of a pipe dream for the rank and file members.

The signature events will also offer sponsor exemptions which has ruffled the feathers of more than a few tour pros.

Veteran Walker falls into the rank and file bracket and he let his feelings known to Golfweek, saying:

"They changed the rules. It's been 125 forever. Then it's like, no, it's 50, or is it 70? It’s definitely not 125. It's total bulls–t, that's what I think of it. I've been working for 11 months to finish 124 and it's like, nope, keep playing. So, I'm going to give it all I've got. That's all I can do.

"I can't tell you how many people texted me saying congrats on making the 125. I'm like, 'No man, it's different.' I had to explain. They've done such a bad job communicating what is happening, partly because I don't think they knew what was happening, honestly."

Walker added:

"It's been one way forever. LIV and the Saudis happen and a lot of things change and everybody freaks out and we sign an agreement that stops litigation. I don't know what's going on. They're talking about a big payout for the players that have stayed. All of it is blowing my mind. The tour is doing everything they can to take care of themselves and not for the players. I'm just out here grinding, giving it all I've got. I've given them 20-some-odd years out here, you know."

Malnati sits on the players advisory council. He told the publication 'things have to change'.

"Of course people are going to say that, but we're making changes. Things have to change. Whether they are better or not, you can argue that but this is the way it is."

He continued: "I never once thought I should have my card locked up. We all knew going into the season it was going to be (No.) 125 after Sea Island (RSM Classic) and not Wyndham. The cool thing is, yes, I'm playing to earn my tour card for next season but I get six opportunities to qualify for Maui. I see it as opportunity."

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