Ernie Els blasts 'rogue' PGA Tour bosses for agreeing LIV merger without player input
- Michael Schmitt
- 21 July 2023
The two-time Open champion took square aim at PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan after Thursday's opening round at Royal Liverpool.
Former World No 1 Ernie Els was scathing in his criticism of the PGA Tour for the way in which they have gone about the merger with LIV Golf.
Els, who won the Open in 2002 and 2012, was speaking to reporters at Royal Liverpool after his opening 75 on Thursday.
The South African also made it clear he was no fan of LIV's product, which he labelled "circus golf".
Most of his ire was directed at the PGA Tour's leadership, however, and Monahan in particular, as he called for change at the top following the secretive way in which the deal with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the backers of LIV Golf, was made.
"If this happened in my day, in my prime, there's no way he [Monahan] is around. No way. And the board has to change," Els said.
"I'm sorry, it's not right. 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'.
Els said considering the high stakes involved, it was unforgiveable to make a deal in secret without any input from others.
"You're affecting people's lives. You're affecting the professional game. It's just so bad," said the 53-year-old.
Els also slammed LIV Golf's team component and its 54-hole, no-cut format, which he reckons has no place in "real" golf.
"This is circus golf. Team golf doesn't work," he added.
"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.
"That's what this thing is all about. That's what I prided myself on, like Tiger [Woods] and some of these guys - getting yourself into majors and grinding."
