Lee Westwood, a true legend of the European Tour, recently celebrated his 50th birthday with a bang. However, the day was not all just cake and celebrations as he found himself caught in the middle of a heated exchange between DP World Tour player, David Horsey, and some LIV Golf players. Horsey had taken to Twitter to criticize LIV Golf players for what he perceived as a lack of respect towards rival Tours, prompting a response from Westwood, who recently made the switch to LIV Golf. This Twitter spat highlights the ongoing tensions between the two Tours, and raises important questions about respect and sportsmanship in the world of professional golf.

Tensions rise between LIV Golf and DP World Tour players

Westwood’s achievements throughout his career are impressive, with 44 professional wins over four decades, 11 Ryder Cups with seven wins, 22 weeks as world number one, three European Tour Order of Merit titles, and four European Tour golfer of the year awards. His move to LIV golf marks a new chapter in his career, and he seems ready to embrace the challenge of playing in a new league.

Lee Westwood received criticism from DP World Tour player David Horsey on Twitter for what he saw as disrespect shown by some LIV Golf players to rival circuits.
During the Twitter exchange, Horsey expressed his displeasure with some LIV Golf players’ supposed lack of respect towards rival circuits.

Horsey tweeted, “I have no issue with players choosing to go play LIV…but I do have an issue with the deformation & disrespecting of the tours and players that gave them a platform to create their brand in the first place. And then think it’s fine to just come back & play when it suits? ”

Westwood, in response, defended the LIV Golf players, “I’ve been a member for 30 years Dave and I can’t remember a time when the top European players didn’t go and play another tour and then come back and pick n choose from the big DPWorldTour events.”

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Westwood accused the DP World Tour of using propaganda to stir up tensions between LIV and non-LIV players, and questioned the strength of the field for the HSBC Abu Dhabi Championship. However, Horsey clarified that, “My point was more about criticising then still wanting to come back and play. I actually think LIV players playing is good for the events. We want the strongest fields possible. Just no need to defamate in the process. That wasn’t the case in your example”.

This argument raises concerns about the level of mutual respect and collaboration in the world of professional golf.

Importance of respect and collaboration in the world of professional golf

The incident involving LIV’s Richard Bland and Eddie Pepperell also highlights the importance of respect and collaboration. Bland, under the influence, made a dig at Pepperell over the “watering hole” at LIV Golf Adelaide, which led to a spat. Bland later apologized for his behavior. Furthermore, earlier this month, the DP World Tour won an arbitration panel hearing that left LIV Golf players facing the possibility of abandoning their careers on the tour.

The DP World Tour can impose sanctions on players participating in LIV events, and their release requests will be declined. This could result in players such as Westwood playing their last DP World Tour event, as he finished tied for 51st at the Dubai Desert Classic, which was likely his swansong after 589 starts on the tour.

The dispute between Horsey and Westwood exposes the ongoing tensions between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour. Both tours have their supporters and detractors, but it’s crucial to remember that players on both tours have worked tirelessly to reach their current positions, and respect for each other should be a top priority. Strong fields at events are beneficial for everyone involved, and there’s no need to belittle rival tours in the process.

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