Viktor Hovland has quashed rumours that he may be about to follow Jon Rahm to LIV Golf but launched a scathing attack on the “arrogance” of the PGA Tour management. The European Ryder Cup star has recommitted to the Tour by agreeing to play in six early-season events but left commissioner Jay Monahan in no doubt over what he thinks of his stewardship.
“If I had gone to LIV, I don’t think I would have become a better golfer and then it is, in a way, the end of discussion,” said Hovland. “But I can’t blame people who make that decision and go over there. I totally understand why he left. That’s a lot, a lot of money. At least when the management of the PGA Tour has done such a bad job.”
Hovland, the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup champion, is unhappy at how the framework agreement signed with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund blindsided the PGA Tour players.
“Just to be clear, I’m not complaining about the position I’m in and I’m very grateful for everything but the management has not done a good job. They almost see the players as labour. We are the PGA Tour. Without the players there is nothing,” said Hovland.
“When you get to see what happens behind closed doors, how the management actually makes decisions, which are not in the players’ best interest but best for themselves and what they think is best … there is a great deal of arrogance behind it all.”
Talks continue to complete a binding deal – now involving American backers led by Fenway Sports Group as well – before the December 31 deadline.
Monahan, who it was revealed last week earned £14.7m from his role last year, is due to meet with PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan this week.
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Source: Read Full Article
