“You can't have your cake and eat it” - Matt Fitzpatrick says he doesn’t want LIV Golf players making PGA Tour return
A year after its start, the PGA Tour-LIV Golf debate continues to rage. Matt Fitzpatrick has now come out to state that LIV Golf players should never be allowed to return to the PGA Tour. Despite being open to them competing in the Ryder Cup, the English golfer doesn’t want the rebel side’s players on any of the regular tour events.
Following the likes of several other PGA Tour stars, including Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick has now come out to slam the idea of LIV golfers on the PGA Tour. Stating that the players who joined the breakaway circuit chose their fate, the 28-year-old golfer said that he believes, “you can't have your cake and eat it.” His statement came amid talk of the omission of defending champion Cameron Smith from this week’s Players Championship.
Giving his take on the possible return of LIV Golf players to the PGA Tour, Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports:
"My personal view is that you can't have your cake and eat it. I would not let people come back if they had gone to LIV, I just wouldn't.”
He went on to clarify his stance:
"Don't get me wrong, they could turn around and say you can come and play LIV if you want, but I don't want to do that. I want to stay here and I want to play DP World Tour and PGA Tour. I think it is incredibly unfair for the PGA Tour to do that [allow them back] and I would be staggered if they did allow them.”
He added:
“I think if you spoke to Tiger Woods then he would probably have the same stance, although I don't know what other guys would have… If you have left the Tour that you have been on for so long and done so well then you have left for something you think is better, even if it maybe is not always greener."
It is pertinent to note that PGA Tour chief Jay Monahan had earlier stated that the circuit’s position on LIV members had not changed. He was speaking ahead of The Players when he said that the American circuit will continue its ban on the Saudi-back series’ players.
Max Homa on letting LIV golfers return to PGA Tour
Max Homa is another golfer who opened up on the matter. A staunch supporter of the PGA Tour, the 32-year-old recently admitted that he has conflicted views on whether LIV members should ever be welcomed back to the American circuit.
Speaking about LIV golfers in his pre-tournament press conference, Homa said:
"My selfish, petty side would be really frustrated, because I have not been annoyed at anyone leaving. It's your own choice and you have to do what you believe you should do. I'm totally cool with that.”
He went on to add that he is “not super close with a ton of guys (LIV players)” but wished to be able to push competitive golf forward together.