LOUISVILLE, Ky. — They begin their second major championship of 2024 on Thursday. At 7:15 a.m., the ball soars during the first tee time of the PGA Championship at Valhalla.
Only then can the golf world turn its weary eyes from the game’s ongoing melodrama to something more fascinating: amazing golf shots, historical pursuits, and raw competition.
Before the tournament, the topic of conversation was less about golf and more about Rory McIlroy’s impending divorce after seven years of marriage.
It was about reigning Masters champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who welcomed his first child with his wife Meredith over the weekend, and whether he was mentally ready to compete.
This is about the divisive state of the sport, where there appears to be little agreement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and especially with the resignation of powerful man Jimmy Dunne from the PGA Tour’s policy committee. Since the news.
The question is whether Tiger Woods’ ailing body can withstand the four days and 72 holes and be able to compete in a major tournament again.
McIlroy looked confused when he arrived at the interview tent on Wednesday.
News broke on Tuesday that he had filed for divorce from his wife of seven years, Erica, and that they have a daughter together.
McIlroy said through the PGA of America that he would not accept any questions about his personal life.
His interview session lasted only 10 minutes, about half the time most players spend asking questions.
One of the things McIlroy mentioned was Dunn’s departure, and he painted a bleak picture.
“Honestly, if the PGA Tour is going to do this deal with PIF, I think it’s a huge loss.” [the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which runs LIV] And trying to unify the game,” McIlroy said. “Jimmy was basically the conduit between the PGA Tour and the PIF.
“It’s really disappointing that he hasn’t been involved in the last few months and I think that’s part of the reason why everything is stalled at the moment. So it’s really, really disappointing. I think the situation is even worse.
“I would say that by last week my confidence level as to whether anything could be accomplished was as low as it has ever been. Then with this news that Jimmy was resigning, his relationship with the other side, and the “I realized how much warmth there is from the other side.”For the side, that’s a concern. ”
Jordan Spieth, a member of the PGA Tour Players Association, said it was a “loss” that Dunn would no longer be involved in negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV.
Afterwards, there was an interesting exchange with reporters from Jon Rahm, the biggest fish LIV lured onto the tour.
Rahm, usually a great voice of reason, sounded almost in denial that there was a real divide between the two tours.
“you guys [reporters] “I keep saying ‘the other side,’ but suspended or not, I’m still a member of the PGA Tour,” Rahm said. He spoke in reference to the ban on playing in tournaments (excluding major tournaments). entity. “I want to continue to support the PGA Tour. I think that’s an important distinction. I don’t feel like I’m on the other side. I just don’t play there. [on the PGA Tour].
“The PGA Tour has given me a lot. It’s given me this platform and this opportunity to really look sideways and say I’m not going to go against it. ‘Cause I’m not going to go against it. It’s from.”
Except he did it.
“I’m going to say what I’ve been saying all along: I hope we can come to a solution and we can come to a solution that is beneficial to everyone,” Rahm said. “I think we’re in a position to establish golf in a very positive way for decades to come, and that there are people who play golf for a living who are much smarter than I am. We need to come together and make sure we can reap the benefits.” It works. ”
Max Homa called the situation in the match “very worrying,” adding that he “didn’t like how it was unfolding,” and said he felt sorry for golf fans who were forced to hear all the drama. Stated.
“Being a casual golf fan must be exhausting at this point,” Homa said. “I don’t know why you want to hear about the business side of this game.”
Starting Thursday morning, all that matters over the next four days is what happens on the golf course.
And it will be a refreshing break.
