The golfing world is facing a major upheaval with former World No. 1 Ernie Els voicing a strong call for the removal of PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. This comes in light of the PGA Tour’s controversial merger with LIV Golf, a development that has intensified the division within the sport.

The situation escalated earlier this month when Jon Rahm, a significant figure in golf, shifted allegiance to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf in a deal worth up to £450 million. This move represents a major shift in the dynamics between the two tours, with LIV Golf’s emergence, supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), causing significant disruption. Follow your favourite golf player with attractive betting odds from Nextbet. 

Back in June, the golf world was stunned by the announcement of a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, suggesting a potential end to the rift in the sport. However, this merger has been mired in controversy, particularly due to the PIF’s involvement and its human rights record.

Els, expressing his discontent, strongly criticized Monahan’s role in the merger, stating, “If this happened in my day, in my prime, there’s no way he’s around,” as reported by Sports Illustrated. Els further elaborated on the need for better communication and negotiation, saying, “Talk to us, tell us what you’re going to do, plan on negotiating. Don’t just go rogue as a member of the board and come back with a deal and think we’re all going to say yes. You’re affecting people’s lives. You’re affecting the professional game. It’s just so bad.”

Golf icon Tiger Woods, now a Player Director on the PGA Tour Policy Board, plays a pivotal role in the ongoing discussions about the future of the agreement. Woods highlighted the board’s approach, stating, “Getting the deal done, but getting it done the right way. We have multiple options, we would like a deal done December 31. All parties understand that. There are other options out there. As long as a player has input and has faster decisions, as long as the board recognizes that. That’s one of the key things the player directors have focused on. The entire board has been accepting of that.”

Els also criticized the format of LIV Golf, particularly its focus on team golf, by commenting, “I know Yasir, I know some of those Saudi guys. They love the game. But this [LIV format] is circus golf. That’s not where I stand. Team golf doesn’t work. It works maybe in a two-month, three-month happy season. Get these guys together, get teams together and play around the world. But [then] play real golf.”

As 2023 comes to a close, the golfing community is keenly observing the developments surrounding the LIV Golf and PGA Tour merger, set to be finalized by the year’s end. Amidst this backdrop, Ernie Els’ outspoken stance represents a significant voice of dissent, underscoring the deep complexities and challenges in unifying the world of professional golf. Get free golf predictions only on Nextbet Sports.