Jones slams critics

‘NO IDEA’ ABOUT LIV

DEFENDING Australian Open champ Matt Jones has teed off at the constant critics of LIV Golf and its converts, including world No.1 Rory McIlroy, declaring they have “no idea” about each player’s reasons for joining.

Jones was one of the first to sign with Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed league and was also party to a failed lawsuit in August that attempted to challenge the playing ban imposed by the PGA Tour after they joined LIV.

The 42-year-old had qualified for the lucrative PGA Tour playoffs but was denied his chance to compete as anti-LIV sentiment grew and players who joined were viewed as rebels and accused of being a party to “sportswashing” for the Saudi government that funds LIV.

Jones conceded things had “quietened down” since that tumultuous period, when McIlroy championed the PGA Tour and took shots at Norman. More recently McIlroy suggested it was time the two groups negotiated, albeit minus the Australian legend.

That change in stance didn’t go unnoticed by Jones, who said he remained comfortable with his move and offered some choice words for the critics.

“It was very negative at the beginning,” Jones said.

“I’m pretty sure all the lawsuits that are going on right now have quietened things down on both sides.

“I mean, Rory likes to say one thing and say another thing. He likes to change his tune every so often.

“If there’s players taking it personal, that someone went to LIV and someone didn’t, I think that’s wrong because you have no idea what someone’s situation is and why they would do it. So you can have your own opinion, but then you get personal about someone else and I think that’s wrong.”

Jones is adamant his pursuit of a temporary restraining order to get into the PGA Tour playoffs was valid, and his part in ongoing lawsuits “makes no difference” to the state of play.

“I was in at the beginning to try and play the (PGA Tour) playoffs, which I thought I’d earned the right to. I wasn’t taking a spot from anyone,” he said.

“And if I withdraw right now (from the lawsuits) it makes no difference because I’m still associated with it because LIV’s associated with it. So if I was or I wasn’t (involved), it wouldn’t make any difference.”

Jones conceded the midyear addition of world No.3 and reigning British Open champion Cameron Smith to LIV’s ranks “definitely helped” soothe the animosity.

Jones said he had experienced no issues in Australia and was content with his move despite the backlash.

“I play golf for a living to make money and provide for my family and that’s what I’m doing,” he said.