Jordan Spieth backs Rory McIlroy and accepts LIV influence at PGA
US golfer Jordan Spieth is the latest prominent player to admit that the controversial LIV Golf series has had an influence in the recent changes proposed by the PGA Tour.
The PGA Tour announced this week that reduced fields and no cuts will be implemented in a series of designated $20 million (£16 million) events in 2024. Members of the Saudi-backed league, who believe they have been unfairly punished for participating in a similar format, reacted angrily.
Jordan Spieth said that he would be lying if he said that the PGA Tour would have brought in the changes if LIV Golf hadn't been established.
"I would be lying if I said that we would have gone through this without LIV. But at the same time, we haven’t mentioned them in any of our discussions on what we think’s best for the Tour."
He further added that now it was all about getting it as close to right as possible.
"The Tour has been all ears. It’s been a player-friendly, player-organised situation. It’s been honestly pretty fun to be a part of. I hope that we can kick it off the right way and don’t have to make too many adjustments to it because the main thing now is trying to get it as close to right the first time as possible."
Before Spieth, it was Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was the one to admit that LIV Golf has had an influence in the changes proposed by the PGA Tour. It is interesting because McIlroy has been one of the most vocal supporters of the tour.
"I’m trying to be a part of that next 20 years in those big events" - Jordan Spieth
Jordan Spieth said that he was very supportive of the latest rule changes. The American golfer further added that he was trying to be a part of those big events in the next 20 years.
"I’m very supportive. It’s still, you have got to play well to be in the best position. It’s a situation where everyone that holds a full Tour card can play in every single event. I think that’s important to note."
"Then hopefully it creates a future product model for the next 20-plus years that’s even better than it has been. I’m trying to be a part of that next 20 years in those big events."
Spieth believes that the PGA Tour has found a great balance in holding on to history and welcoming modern adjustments.
"I think we’ve found a pretty good balance right now in holding on to the history but also making modern adjustments that, in my opinion, reward appropriately the guys who beat the best in the world week-in and week-out."
Jordan Spieth is currently playing at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida. He shot a four-under-par 68 to open his campaign at the tournament.
The defending champion, Scottie Scheffler, matched Spieth's day one score. Jon Rahm, who has already won three times in 2023, appears to be in good spirits after opening with a 65. The Spaniard finished with an eagle and two birdies to take a two-stroke lead.