LPGA Pro Continues Onslaught on ‘Out-Of-Control’ PGA Tour-LIV Golf Battle & Wins Fans’ Approval

It is what it is, and there is nothing we can do about it. That’s what Jenny Shin thinks of the current state of men’s professional golf. “Why judge and hate what you can’t control?” asks the South Korean pro. The reality is that both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are here to stay. So, snubbing one in favor of the other will come at a cost for the fans.

The latest tweet came hours after her take on LIV Golf Adelaide. Shin wondered whether the success in Australia was because LIV chose to show more golf than commercials. Fans agreed with her then. They rally behind her ‘wise words’ this time as well.

Jenny Shin is fed up with the money-talk but hasn’t lost hope

From Phil Mickelson to Jon Rahm, players who defected have been at the receiving end of PGA Tour fans. Even Brandel Chamblee thrashed Rahm for his ‘greedy’ move. But Shin believes judgments are uncalled for.

“I watch both PGA and LIV. Only because there are players I enjoy watching on both tours. Why judge and hate what you can’t control? What they decide to do with their life isn’t important. If you like golf, you’ll watch it, regardless.”

As the Tour and PIF continue with the merger talks, it’s not in anyone but the executives’ hands to unify the game. So, as long as that doesn’t happen, the only way to enjoy golf is to watch both tours. If not for the team format, then for the players who ply their trade on the Saudi-backed side.

Shin believes fans should rise above the fray. “I don’t like what money has done to certain things in this world but it is what it is, it is out of our control. Just watch who you want to watch! It will all work out in the end somehow.”

The arm-wrestling between the Tour and LIV Golf has harmed both. It has impacted the fan base of the sport negatively. The PGA Tour’s viewership woes are a perfect example of this. Jenny Shin is not the first to address the infighting. Rory McIlroy, not long ago, shared somewhat similar sentiments. The 34-year-old went on record, saying, “I just think with the fighting and everything that’s went on over the past couple of years, people are just getting really fatigued of it and it’s turning people off men’s professional golf, and that’s not a good thing for anyone.”.

The growing rivalry among fans only makes the matter worse. So, Shin’s words found a place among those who had enough of this.

Truer words haven’t been spoken about the PGA Tour – LIV Golf divide

Both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour can take some lessons from each other. There is more game coverage than commercials on LIV Golf. Something that the Tour can take note of. Whereas, the breakaway league can change the format to make it more thrilling, introducing a cut for example.

One fan wrote, “What no one will admit is that the PGAT could borrow some things from LIV and LIV could borrow some things from the tour. I don’t care for the music on LIV but they show so many shots. I started watching to see AK”. Another concurred, “LIV seems like an exhibition since they’re getting their money regardless. PGAT seems more legit but lacks juice. Hoping for a way to get the groups back together.”

While men’s professional golf was thrown into disarray, the LPGA Tour has continued to thrive. Unlike the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, top players go head-to-head more often. At the JM Eagle Championship, six of the top ten players in the world were in the field. Some comments evince the growing popularity of the elite female circuit.

One user commented, “But… the LPGA players are the most fun to watch. My husband and I prefer the incredible talent of these players.” A second person echoed, “I only enjoy watching you & Minjee. The LPGA tour is way more entertaining.”

The PGA Tour and PIF, the Saudi sovereign fund that bankrolls LIV Golf, are in talks to complete the framework agreement. But there is no end in sight. Guy Kinnings, the DP World Tour CEO, hinted that it might take two more years to reach a breakthrough. In the meantime, netizens think Jenny Shin has hammered some sense into warring fans.