PGA Tour pro blames LIV supporters (!?) for golf's continued problems

PGA Tour pro Billy Horschel has pointed the finger of blame towards LIV Golf supports as the men's game is still no closer to resolving its problems.

Ben Smith

27 Apr 2024

PGA Tour pro Billy Horschel has accused LIV Golf supporters as being a factor in the continued divide at the top of the men's game.

Horschel made the declaration in a recent appearance on the Fore Play podcast.

The American golfer discussed all manner of topics with host Dan Rapaport.

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Chief of which was the fact the PGA Tour appears to be no closer to making peace with LIV Golf and striking a deal with their Saudi financiers to officially end the schism in the men's game.

Just this week, European Tour Group chief executive Guy Kinnings made the alarming admission that nearly a year after a vague peace deal was announced, officials from the PIF, PGA Tour and LIV Golf are yet to meet.

World number two Rory McIlroy appears to be on the verge of rejoining the PGA Tour's policy board to help break the impasse.

McIlroy told reporters before the Zurich Classic of New Orleans that little progress has been made in the peace talks.

Horschel told Rapaport that he 'agrees' with McIlroy's position.

The Northern Irishman wants unification and appears to have adopted the position that LIV players - if they want to - should be able to come back to the PGA without financial penalties.

It is a far cry from his previous, hard-line stance.

His position seems to be the polar opposite of the likes of Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Ricky Fowler and Justin Thomas.

The golfers believe there should be a caveat for any potential returns.

Asked by Rapaport if the PGA Tour needs LIV players back, Horschel said: "I straddle the line on that. I agree with Rory.

"If we're going to get a deal with PIF, then we need those guys to be a part of the PGA Tour, because that's going to instantaneously increase the value or at least the perception of the value of the PGA Tour.

"But I also understand the Jordan side that... I'm okay if we have two competing tours.

"Competition is a great thing. It makes both have to improve and do things to get better and I believe that the PGA Tour product will always win out because I believe our product is better than anything that can come forth.

"My thing is that if we don't get a deal with PIF, then we need stop this bickering, this little back and forth.

"You know, I think that's what's turning off a lot of these fans a little bit... just the bickering between both sides."

He added: "You know, I'm going to say it and I'm going to get shot for this a little bit.

"On the PGA Tour side some of the bickering has gone away, but I think on they're side they're still, you know, taking shots here and there and I'm not saying the players are taking shots but some of the supporters of the LIV Tour are taking shots."

Horschel stressed there was still some 'nastiness' from some PGA Tour fans.

"That all needs to stop," he said.

"Because that's not beneficial to the game of golf and the growth of the game of golf."

Watch the clip below: