PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh shares concerns about LIV Golf’s impact on the professional game
Navigating the Clash: PGA CEO Seth Waugh's perspective on LIV golf and the quest for harmony at Oak hill

Seth Waugh (Image via golfchannel)
Seth Waugh, the CEO of the PGA of America, has been vocal about his concerns regarding LIV Golf, the disruptive upstart league in professional golf. Over the past few years, Waugh has expressed skepticism and urged players to consider the impact of their decisions.
Despite his reservations, the PGA of America has allowed LIV golfers who meet the qualification criteria to participate in the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. As the tournament approaches, Waugh hopes for a harmonious atmosphere between PGA Tour and LIV players, reminiscent of the recent Masters’ tournament.
Waugh has never shied away from sharing his doubts about LIV Golf, labeling the venture as “flawed.” He questions the format that LIV has adopted, particularly emphasizing the significance of the team aspect in the competition. LIV officials believe that by selling team franchises, they can recoup the substantial investments made and eventually turn a profit. However, Waugh remains skeptical about this approach.
Related: Peter Uihlein withdraws from LIV Golf lawsuit against PGA tour
LIV Golf challenges and PGA’s response

Despite Waugh’s personal reservations, the PGA of America has taken a somewhat accommodating stance. For the PGA Championship at Oak Hill, the organization extended special invitations to LIV players who ranked within the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
However, as LIV events do not award World Ranking points, the number of eligible LIV players is gradually decreasing. Even Paul Casey, who is ranked 142nd in the OWGR, received an invitation due to his participation in last year’s field at Southern Hills, from which he had to withdraw due to an injury.“The good news is the Masters went first and set the stage for, frankly, civility,” he said.
As the PGA Championship at Oak Hill approaches, Seth Waugh hopes for a positive and civil environment between PGA Tour and LIV players, as well as a warm reception from the fans. He draws inspiration from the recent Masters’ tournament, where a sense of mutual respect and little animosity was witnessed between the two sides. Waugh believes that fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and sportsmanship will be crucial to the success of the tournament and the overall growth of the game.
While PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh remains skeptical about LIV Golf, he has shown a willingness to allow qualified LIV players to participate in the PGA Championship at Oak Hill. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the interactions between PGA Tour and LIV players, as well as the reception from the passionate fans.
Waugh’s hope for a harmonious atmosphere reflects his desire to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and unity within the game of golf. According to MSN, with the tournament just around the corner, the golfing world eagerly awaits the unfolding drama and the impact it may have on the future relationship between traditional golf and the innovative LIV Golf League.
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Rohit Jambhulkar
(1239 Articles Published)