‘It’s not in the long-term interest of golf’: R&A backs Tiger in LIV Golf row
Martin Slumbers unloaded both barrels on the rebel LIV Golf Series – but stopped short of issuing an outright ban for future Open Championships.
Ahead of the 150th staging of the world’s oldest major at St Andrews, The R&A’s chief executive said the “model we’ve seen at Centurion and Pumpkin Ridge is not in the best long-term interests of the sport as a whole and is entirely driven by money”.
Speaking at the governing body’s annual press conference, he declared: “We believe it undermines the merit-based culture and the spirit of open competition that makes golf so special.
“I would also like to say that, in my opinion, the continued commentary that this is about growing the game is just not credible and, if anything, is harming the perception of our sport which we are working so hard to improve.
“We believe the game needs to focus on increasing participation, achieving greater diversity, and making sure that golf is truly open to all rather than this narrow debate involving a small number of players.”
Slumbers added that the R&A had been asked “quite frequently” about banning players from The Open. “Let me be very clear,” he added. “That’s not on our agenda.
“But what is in our agenda is that we will review our exemptions and qualifications criteria for The Open.
“And whilst we do that every year, we absolutely reserve the right to make changes as our Open Championship committee deems appropriate.
“Players have to earn their place The Open. And that is fundamental to this ethos, and its unique global appeal.”
Announcing that Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Paul Lawrie had been made honorary members of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Slumbers asked golf watchers to focus on events at the Home of Golf ahead of a special championship.
“On Sunday night, it will be my privilege to announce the Champion Golfer of the Year in the 150th staging of this wonderful championship,” he said.
“That player will have his name carved in history on the Claret Jug. What could be more special than that? I would urge you all to keep that in mind and enjoy The Open as much as we will.
“It will certainly be an occasion to tell your children and your grandchildren about for many years to come.”
The comments came barely 24 hours after Woods launched his own scathing attack on LIV Golf, where he questioned the motivations of the breakaway league’s defectors while asserting his fellow pros have “turned their backs” on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.
“The players who have chosen to go to LIV – I disagree with it,” the 15-time major champion said. “I think what they’ve done is they’ve turned their backs on what has allowed them to get to this position. I just don’t understand it.
“Who knows what’s going to happen in the near future with world-ranking points. Some of these players may not ever get a chance to play in major championships.
“What these players are doing for guaranteed money, what is the incentive to practice? What is the incentive to go out there and earn it in the dirt?
“I can understand 54 holes is almost like a mandate when you get to the senior tour. The guys are little bit older and a little more banged up. But when you’re at this young age and some of these kids – they really are kids who have gone from amateur golf into that organisation. 72-hole tests are part of it.”
On Greg Norman’s ban from the Champions Dinner, Woods added: “I believe it’s the right thing. Greg has done some things that I don’t think is in the best interest of our game, and we’re coming back to probably the most historic and traditional place in our sport.”
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Steve Carroll
A journalist for 25 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former club captain, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the R&A's prestigious Tournament Administrators and Referees Seminar.
Steve has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying, PGA Fourball Championship, English Men's Senior Amateur, and the North of England Amateur Championship. In 2023, he made his international debut as part of the team that refereed England vs Switzerland U16 girls.
A part of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap. He currently floats at around 11.
Steve plays at Close House, in Newcastle, and York GC, where he is a member of the club's matches and competitions committee and referees the annual 36-hole scratch York Rose Bowl.
Having studied history at Newcastle University, he became a journalist having passed his NTCJ exams at Darlington College of Technology.
What's in Steve's bag: TaylorMade Stealth 2 driver, 3-wood, and hybrids; TaylorMade Stealth 2 irons; TaylorMade Hi-Toe, Ping ChipR, Sik Putter.
