Legendary golfer Tom Watson voiced dissatisfaction over the recent partnership between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
Watson wrote an open letter to PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, who has felt the brunt of a lot of the criticism on the move. In the letter, the eight-time PGA major champion noted the hypocrisies around the deal, but questioned the process and communication used or, in some cases, not used in making the deal possible.
Gary Williams, a noted golf media personality, posted the open letter that Watson sent to the PGA Tour.
“In my opinion, the communication has been mishandled and the process by which the Tour agreed on a proposed partnership with PIF was executed without due process,” Watson wrote. “As a group of players and stakeholders who represent the face and the brands of the Tour, what are our choices?”
Watson continued, expressing grief for the 9/11 families. “I support 9/11Families United and their efforts to release supporting exculpatory US government documents. … I ask the Tour, how is a non-negotiable point for us one day one we negotiate around the next?” Watson asked.
An open letter from Tom Watson to the @PGATOUR sent this morning regarding the recent agreement with the PIF. @5ClubsGolf pic.twitter.com/AGglnJDk50
— Gary Williams (@Garywilliams1Up) June 19, 2023
None of the points raised by the legendary Watson were unfounded. The reason there’s been so much criticism over the deal is primarily the hypocrisy around it. It’s not likely Watson’s letter will move the PGA Tour and LIV Golf away from it. But it is worth noting that a lot of people have been affected by this move one way or another.
