"I couldn’t eat for a week" - LIV Golfer Adrian Meronk explains his nerve-wracking switch to Saudi circuit
Adrian Meronk made the decision to join LIV Golf in 2024, a decision he did not make lightly. Even this year, there is a stigma around the tour and those who join it. Meronk knew that when he decided not to pursue the PGA Tour and left the European Tour for LIV.
Meronk was given two days to make the decision after finishing atop the DP World Tour season points list. This meant that, if he stayed, he would have been granted PGA Tour membership. He could have made it, but he decided to switch to LIV.
Ahead of the DP World Tour Championship, Meronk reflected on that pivotal moment (via Golf Digest):
“I couldn’t eat for a week. I felt worse than I ever had before. I had such a fever. But it was then or maybe never. It was one week before the first LIV event in Mexico. I talked to my manager, my family and my friends. They all played a part, and we ended up making the decision as one."
Ultimately, he and everyone around him decided it would be beneficial to his well-being and his family if he joined up:
"I know I did the right thing. I’ve played some good golf. I’ve learned some new things.”
Meronk has no regrets now despite it being one of the hardest decisions he's had to make in his professional career.
Adrian Meronk on the deciding factors for LIV switch
LIV Golfers have often said after their switch that money, schedule, or something else was the driving factor behind their choice. Adrian Meronk said it was a little of everything.
He said he wanted to "play less and enjoy life a bit more." Meronk acknowledged that he was coming off the best season of his career but that he was tired. He had no time to enjoy anything since he had to go defend his Australian Open title.
Meronk said (via Golf Digest):
“I remember thinking how nice it would be to play fewer tournaments. So that was maybe the main reason behind my design to join LIV."
“There were financial reasons as well. It would be silly to deny that. I would be lying if I said otherwise. And I can’t imagine anyone would take me seriously if I did. But I have enjoyed being part of the team and traveling together," he added.
His time with LIV has reminded him of his college tenure with East Tennessee State. Adrian Meronk said he found the PGA Tour lonely at times, and he enjoys how much more at home he feels with LIV Golf.