LIV Golf has brought the dough back into the game. An unprecedented amount of money has been thrown at top players. The PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, too did the same to counter the LIV’s threat. But Viktor Hovland, who earned $35 million last year, remains unconvinced. Rather, he sees a red flag in golf’s obsession with cash at this moment.

Terming the current situation as “a little sad” and “comical” at the same time, Hovland said, winning a tournament solely for the money feels a little “soulless.” Hovland would rather win a trophy that has history and a legacy attached to it than vie for only the big bucks on Sunday. Speaking to Claude Harmon III on the Son of a Butch podcast, the reigning Tour Champion also hinted at why he rejected LIV’s proposal.

Viktor Hovland would rather have his name in history than earn millions 

The world No. 4 emphasized that money is important but not his foremost concern. Hovland considers the competition that LIV has brought to be beneficial. But the PGA Tour has also increased the purse size by a huge margin, in addition to bringing in Signature events. Consequently, as an aftereffect, the conversation circulates around it, which the Norwegian feels should stop.

“But it seems to have been a response from the PGA Tour side that, okay, we’re going to [put more money]. It’s just more talk about the money, and I think that’s a little bit sad.” Notably, the Tour lost its long-time sponsor, Honda, last year. Wells Fargo and Farmers Insurance will also leave after their current contracts end. The undue pressure on the sponsors has left them irate, as many insiders pointed out.

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Hovland feels this was uncalled for. Because for the Norwegian, what matters more is the history associated with a particular event. “It’s like not to dog on a tournament here or there. But, like, you could put the price or the purse for John Deere to 6 million bucks to first place. But I’d much rather win a Memorial.”

Hovland echoed his peer on the Tour, Mackenzie Hughes. Just a few weeks ago, the Canadian pro lamented that in the financial race, pro golf has “kind of lost the spirit of the game.” Hovland feels the continuous talk about millions in purses has turned the situation rather ‘comical.’

The muddled LIV Golf – PGA Tour Merger

Hovland told the podcast host, “It’s a little comical to see what’s going on in the game of golf, but I hope there’s a resolution in the future because, at the end of the day, I just want to compete at the best golf courses, in the best tournaments, and against the best player.” Notably, the PGA Tour has inked a deal with Strategic Sports Group, a consortium of billionaire sports team owners that would see $3 billion in investment.

It doesn’t mean the ongoing talks with PIF have been stopped. Contrarily, SSG officials were present when Monahan traveled to Saudi Arabia for a face-to-face meeting with PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan. Interestingly, after Jon Rahm, the Norwegian was heavily linked with LIV Golf less than a few months ago. 

Read More: ‘We Need Transparency’: Viktor Hovland Makes a Bold Demand to Jay Monahan Led PGA Tour

Moreover, his comments slamming the PGA Tour bosses for their arrogance were read as a tilt toward the PIF-funded side. However, the Norwegian has denied the rumors more than once. Asked about the matter, Hovland admitted he prefers to ask questions because not everything is yet very clear at the moment. Hovland remains committed to the Tour.

Weeks After Attacking PGA Tour’s ‘Arrogance’, Viktor Hovland Reveals the Outcome of His Fiery Rant