Once praised as the glory of Polish golf, Adrian Meronk has had a turbulent journey in the professional game. Meronk’s career took a surprising turn after he became the first Pole to win on the European Tour and won the 2023 European Tour Player of the Year title. In early 2024, he surprised everyone by joining the Saudi-sponsored league, turning down a chance to get the PGA Tour card. Despite his strong performances, which included winning the Italian Open at the Ryder Cup location — Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, he was controversially excluded from the European Ryder Cup team, which led to his decision.

Given his previous position, Meronk’s decision to join LIV Golf was criticized. He did, however, attribute his choice in large part to the demanding schedule and lack of personal fulfillment on the PGA Tour. “I was just constantly on the road… I had a great year, but I didn’t really enjoy it,” he reflected. Despite not being invited to the Masters or PGA Championship, Meronk is going all out to earn a place in the majors now that he has won on LIV Golf.

Adrian Meronk: From PGA aspirant to LIV advocate

Adrian Meronk’s rise to prominence in the golf industry was characterized by notable accomplishments, such as wins on the European Tour and a standing as one of Poland’s best players. But despite his achievements, Meronk had serious doubts about playing on the PGA Tour. He called the experience a “rat race” that made him feel “miserable,” “lonely,” and “scared.”

Meronk added a scathing comment towards his former PGA Tour colleagues. “It’s like a rat race on the PGA Tour—everybody is looking out for themselves, and nobody talks to you,” he said. He further explained, saying, “If I’d played in America, I would have had to base myself there and it would have been so lonely and so miserable, I think.” Meronk’s criticism of the PGA Tour as a “rat race” captures the competitive spirit of the tour. With fields usually ranging from 132 to 156 players, the PGA Tour planned 36 regular-season events and three playoff tournaments for 2024. On the other hand, the 2024 season of LIV Golf consists of 14 events with a 48-player cap. LIV players may rest and bond more with this arrangement. Meronk, who recently competed in the U.S. Open qualifier at Walton Heath Golf Club, has one individual victory since joining LIV Golf and is still working to qualify for major championships.

His exclusion from the 2023 Ryder Cup, which many believe was a major factor in his decision to go to LIV Golf, added to these feelings. Meronk attributed his decision in large part to his desire for a more balanced lifestyle and the rigorous schedule of the PGA Tour. “I think it was a great decision for me. It’s given me so much life and enjoyment,” he remarked. Meronk’s ambitions to win major titles are unaffected by his relocation. His commitment to competing at the greatest levels is shown by his recent involvement with the US Open qualifier at Walton Heath Golf Club. However, the road ahead is still difficult, as the established golf industry continues to struggle with the effects of LIV Golf’s rise. As Meronk moves through this new phase, his path mirrors the larger conflicts and changes in the professional golf industry.

Other golfers who found LIV Golf’s schedule appealing

Adrian Meronk is not the only player looking to start over with LIV Golf after Ryder Cup disappointments. Similar transitions have been made by several former PGA Tour players, who have given different explanations for their actions. For instance, Belgian pro golfer Thomas Pieters stated, “I have never wanted to play full-time on the PGA Tour, because I don’t think you can do that and live where I want,” expressing discontent with the tour’s rigorous schedule. He highlighted how LIV Golf’s restricted events were appealing because they promoted a better work-life balance.

In a similar vein, Sergio Garcia emphasized the value of family time when deciding to sign with LIV Golf. “One of the main reasons to do it was the possibility of having four or five months off and being able to spend a lot of time with the kids,” he remarked.

The yearning for a better-balanced and more satisfying work life is a recurring subject in these stories. LIV Golf challenges conventional ideas of success in the sport and provides many with an option that is more in line with their priorities and values. Players like Meronk, Pieters, and Garcia’s decisions underscore the changing dynamics and the pursuit of purpose beyond the fairways as the professional golf scene changes.