Viktor Hovland is on the warpath (!) again: "It's comical"
European Ryder Cup star Viktor Hovland has described the current state of affairs between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf as 'comical' and 'sad'.
Would it be unreasonable to suggest Viktor Hovland is quite angry at the current state of affairs?
The Norwegian recently hopped on Claude Harmon's podcast to discuss all things golf.
Understandably, the conversation veered towards what is happening at the elite level in the men's game.
In Hovland's view, he is angry with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf for allowing the game to descend into a 'sad' and 'comical' state.
Constant arguments about money, the European Ryder Cup star contended, is overshadowing what's important.
To illustrate his point, Hovland said he'd much rather win the Memorial even if the PGA Tour's John Deere Classic had a $6m top prize
"If that's what you're remembering by the end of the week, that feels a little bit soulless in my opinion," he said.
Hovland explained on Son of a Butch: "Now money is important, and everyone needs to get paid accordingly and in a fair way.
"But I don't think that needs to be the driving force behind this or the story every single week.
"Not to dog on a tournament here or there, you could put the purse of the John Deere to $6m for first place, but I'd much rather win a Memorial or a tournament like that.
"You're going to have those memories of winning that event, seeing your name on that trophy – that's pretty cool.
"Obviously, the pay cheque is pretty nice as well, but if that's what you're remembering by the end of the week, that feels a little bit soulless in my opinion."
Hovland has been a long-time target for LIV Golf but that is unsurprising given his obvious talents.
Some reports suggested the reigning FedEx Cup champion was in advanced discussions to join the league for the 2024 season.
To add some credibility to those rumours, Hovland was previously quoted laying into the PGA Tour's leadership.
In those comments, made in December 2023, Hovland said he remained committed the to established Tour.
But he labelled the top brass as 'arrogant' and stated they had 'done a damn bad job' in handling the situation.
"The management has not done a good job," he previously said.
"They almost see the players as labour and not as part of the members. After all, we are the PGA Tour. Without the players, there is nothing."
Fast-forward a few months and we are no closer to having a resolution. The PGA Tour insist they remain in talks with LIV's financiers.
But some leading players, such as Jordan Spieth, have cast doubt on whether the Tour really wants to strike a deal with the PIF.
Hovland told Harmon that there is a lack of transparency on both sides.
"I like to ask questions because I don't know a whole lot myself," he said.
"So if I ask more questions, I get more information, then I can make a better decision and that's the frustrating part from my standpoint is that us as players, things haven't been very transparent for us.
"So it's hard for us when you're asking me a question and I want to be truthful and give you a straight answer.
"I just don't know. I don't know what the path forward is, to be honest, it's been a little sad, but I try not to think about it too much.
"It's a little comical to see what's going on in the game of golf, but I hope there's a resolution in the future because at the end of the day, I just want to compete at the best golf courses, the best tournaments and against the best players.
"However that's going to happen, I don't know, but that's what I'd like to see."
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