In an effort to transition PGA of America away from a traditional golfing organization that employs full-time professional players, the organization recently announced that it plans to merge with LIV. The move comes as part of a larger overhaul of the organization with the emphasis being shifted away from professional golfers and the payouts those players can expect for making the tour.
Prior to the merger of PGA and LIV, PGA of America actively campaigned against golfers working with LIV.
PGA was vocal about its opposition to LIV, citing its unprofessionalism, its lack of profitability, and its unfair treatment of golfers, among other things. PGA of America also argued that LIV didn’t provide adequate healthcare and retirement benefits for golfers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Anotherl major issue PGA of America took with LIV was their connection to the Saudi Arabian government. Due to the oppressive human rights violations and overall unethical practices of this regime, PGA and other corporate entities were concerned with any close ties to the government. This led to concerns with LIV as it had previously accepted funds from the government in exchange for broadcasting its tournaments in the country. In light of these associations, PGA of America felt it was important to warn golfers of any potential risks associated with working with LIV and discourage them from doing so.
PGA argued that LIV’s profit model was built on a serious exploitation of golfers, as LIV profited from the time and energy their players put into the game while often providing minimal rewards in return. Additionally, they argued that LIV was not invested in the long-term success of the players they employed, providing inadequate resources and support for their players. On top of this, PGA cited the fact that LIV did not provide its players with benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans, recognizing that this would leave them vulnerable to unhealthy career choices.
As a result, many golfers felt loyal to PGA of America and chose not to work for LIV. Some turned down paydays as high as $300 million from LIV to stay loyal to PGA.
But it turns out the PGA had a price tag for their loyalty to golfers.
When PGA announced its merger with LI this week, golfers who chose to stay loyal to the organization felt betrayed. It seemed hypocritical for PGA to sharply criticize LIV and then so quickly move to join forces with the company. Many golfers felt that their loyalty to PGA was not being reciprocated, leading to frustration and anger.