Xander Schauffele leans on ‘side of history’ as PGA-LIV merger talk brews up further controversies

Xander Schauffele boldly claims he does not regret his decision to join LIV as merger talk controversies flame the golf world.

Xander Schauffele leans on ‘side of history’ as PGA-LIV merger talk brews up further controversies

Xander Schauffele (Image via Imago)

World No.5 Xander Schauffele recently spoke on LIV Golf players possibly returning to the PGA Tour after signing million-dollar deals for their exit. The controversies in this topic caused quite a stir in the golf world as many welcomed the idea, while others criticized it. 

However, Schauffele, who remained on the “neutral” side of the PGA-LIV split; said he does not regret saying “no” to the Saudi-backed league. Although money may have been a moving factor, he wishes to lean on the “side of history” and maintain his OWGR standing along with eligibility to play in PGA tournaments.

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Xander Schauffele predicted that in time “all be playing together” as ultimately the fans, TV, and the whole golf community want so. Currently, with the split many top Tour players have joined LIV, resulting in missing names in major tournaments. Needless to say, the OWGR was not granted to LIV players, resulting in top players dropping out of ranking frequently. 

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I don’t have any regrets of what I’ve done or what I’m doing, so I’m sleeping just fine at night knowing where I stand.
Xander Schauffele as per reporter Ben Smith of Golf Magic.

On the other hand, some argued that LIV returnees would have to pay some sort of financial penalty to mitigate the remaining players, while others did not agree. In fact, following the $25 million Players Championship event, director Peter Malnati went as far as to say, that the LIV players will not be eligible to participate in the recently formed PGA Tour enterprises.

He said LIV Golfers joining back “is a big deal” and with the current policies they “aren’t ever going to be eligible for that.” Even if they are later allowed with rule changes, there will be “safeguards” to protect the players who decided to stay with the PGA Tour.

Jay Monahan remains secretive regarding “constructive” PGA-LIV merger talk

A “constructive” meeting took place on Monday between golf world icons, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, GOAT Tiger Woods, LIV Golf governor Yasir Al-Rumayya, and the Strategic Sports Group. The details of the meeting were kept secret. Monahan clearly stated that no comments from this meeting will be revealed to the public as of now.

Jay Monahan
Jay Monahan (Pic Credit: Imago)

Prior to their meeting, Rory McIlroy noted, “it should have happened months ago, so I am glad that it’s happening.” He wished for a “closure” on the situation that started brewing since LIV Golf’s inception back in 2022. A call on the merger talk was scheduled to take place back in December 2023, but it got postponed.

The framework agreement that was decided back in June between PGA and PIF is yet to be set in motion. Although Monahan noted that a deal would take time to get implemented he said the plan is “accelerating”. Further details on the situation will be available to the public once a press conference takes place regarding the subject matter.

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