Horschel insists players who want to win majors should not join LIV
WORLD No.15 Billy Horschel believes any golfer who wants to win majors should not be playing in the LIV Golf Series.
The American said anyone who wanted to be considered a great of the game should not associate themselves with the Saudi-backed breakaway.
Currently those who have joined LIV have been suspended indefinitely from the PGA Tour but have not yet been prevented from playing in majors and as a result 24 players teed it up in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.
Immediately after winning the Claret Jug Australian Cameron Smith was asked about rumours he may be joining the breakaway but he declined the opportunity to dismiss speculation, while European Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson continues to be linked with LIV.
“If you want to be a great player, if you want to be a legend in the game of golf, and want your name to be remembered and be talked about with the best of the best in the game to win historic golf tournaments you shouldn’t be playing LIV golf,” said Horschel.
“You should be playing on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour or a tour which allows you the opportunity to play in majors.
“There are a lot of guys out there who are pro-PGA Tour, pro-DP World Tour, guys who have turned down an opportunity to cash in and bet on themselves.”
Smith won the Open with a brilliant final-round 64 to beat Rory McIlroy, who was favourite to win the event heading into the last round tied with Viktor Hovland four shots clear of the field.
Speaking while the players were out on course Horschel said, in the context of where his sport was, he wanted McIlroy to win big.
“I think for the game of golf for today and where we stand I think Rory McIlroy needs to win,” he explained while the Northern Irishman was halfway through his round.
“He is a spokesperson (against LIV) because he gets interviewed the most and gets asked the most questions.
“I appreciate – and I know
the guys appreciate him saying things – but other guys on tour need to say things as well.
“He can’t be up there just alone. I know myself, JT (Justin Thomas) and Jon (Rahm) have said something and a few of the players but the majority of players need to be able to speak about it when they have the opportunity.
“They just don’t get the opportunity – in the locker room we hear a lot of things (and) guys are upset – but for the way Rory has handled it, to take it and be the lead guy and have to deal with the questions and be able to come out here and put that all in the back of his mind and focus on playing really good golf it is pretty impressive.”