Two-time major winner Tony Jacklin believes Rory McIlroy was hung out to dry by the PGA Tour after controversial merger with LIV Golf and has become a ‘sacrificial lamb’
The controversial merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has put the future of the sport in ‘uncharted waters’ according to Tony Jacklin.
A host of stars from the PGA Tour defected to join the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Tour, which also caused plenty of fallings out behind the scenes amongst the world’s best golfers.
Golf’s civil war now looks to be finally over, with the two merging to unify the sport earlier in the month – after two years of trading barbs and insults back and forth, report the Daily Star.
One former pro who was shocked by the merger was two-time major winner Jacklin, who believes the players who joined LIV became “puppets”.
“We don’t know what the future holds for LIV, but what I will say is this: Money can’t buy history, and you can’t invent majors,” said Jacklin speaking ahead of the Farmfoods British Par 3.
“Golf is one of the greatest games ever invented, there’s no game like it. But the amount of money now involved is mind-blowing. By 2025 it’s estimated the PIF will be worth £1 trillion.
“They are beyond powerful, and when that kind of money is involved, people become their puppets.
“The ramifications of a deal this size are impossible to know and it’s hard to know what direction the sport will now go in.
I thought LIV might go away, even after this deal, but it looks like it’s here to stay for now.
But what I will say is this: money can’t buy history and you can’t invent majors.”
One player who Jacklin believes was hung out to dry by the PGA Tour is Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy repeatedly voiced his vehement opposition to joining LIV when others defected, instead remaining loyal to the PGA.
However, the merger between the two has left McIlroy in a difficult place, especially given his previous comments.
And Jacklin admitted that he would be unsure whether or not he would join LIV if he were still playing today.
He added: “At the end of the day, most people play professional golf to make a living. It’s hard to say if I would have done it, but I had everything I wanted anyway, so the money wasn’t that important.
“I have a lot of respect for Rory and hold him in very high regard. However, I can’t help thinking he might feel like a bit of a sacrificial lamb at this point.”
Away from the drama of the PGA-LIV merger, Jacklin, who now lives in the US, is set to return to the UK to host the Farmfoods British Par 3 Tournament at Nailcote Hall in Berkswell, Warwickshire – which celebrates its 90th birthday this year.
The 78-year-old won an historic US Open title at Hazeltine 53 years ago, and while he no longer plays too much these days, Jacklin always does what he can to keep up with the sport.
Speaking ahead of the Par 3, Jacklin said: “I’ve been hosting the Farmfoods British Par 3 for about 15 years now and I was truly honoured and happy to see last year that they had created a trophy in my name.
“The reason I think the tournament is great is because the short game, the fiddly bits, is what golf is all about. If you can’t chip and putt, you can’t play golf!
“Everyone thinks spectators like watching players smash it 300 yards, but I think the short game is more interesting. Not to mention, for this reason it’s easier for younger, older and amateur players to get involved on a par 3; as they might not be able to drive it far enough to compete in a standard tournament.”
“It’s such a grand event and very unique. A lot of young players have come through and made a name for themselves through this tournament. I’m really excited for the 90th edition of the Farmfoods British Par 3 this year and can’t wait to see everyone there.”
To get involved in this year’s Farmfoods British Par 3 and secure free tickets, visit www.britishpar3.com
