What happened to hardline stance?

PGA Tour commissioner’s quotes on LIV and how his mood turned

2022 – June 12 Reacting to the LIV breakaway

“In protecting our loyal members, we can’t allow [LIV Golf] players to freeride off that.”

Asked about the letter sent by victims’ families and survivors of the 9/11 terrorist attacks to LIV rebels

“Two families close to me lost loved ones. I would ask any player that has left, or any player that would ever consider leaving, have you ever had to apologise for being a member of the PGA Tour?”

June 22 Asked about the “danger” of LIV

“If this is an arms race and if the only weapons here are dollar bills, the PGA Tour can’t compete. We welcome good, healthy competition. The LIV Saudi golf league is not that. It’s an irrational threat.”

Aug 24 Would he ever lift the ban on LIV rebels?

“No. They’ve joined the LIV Golf Series, and they’ve made that commitment. For most of them, they’ve made multiyear commitments. As

I’ve been clear throughout, every player has a choice, and I respect their choice, but they’ve made it. We’ve made ours. We’re going to continue to focus on the things that we control and get stronger and stronger. I think they understand that.”

Oct 3 Asked about Rory Mcilroy’s welcome of peace talks between LIV and the PGA Tour

“They’ve gone down their path and I think we have been pretty consistent that we’re going down ours, and I don’t see that happening.

I think words and actions are important. I think it’s impractical when you look at the fact that certain players have sued the PGA Tour, their employer has sued the PGA Tour. It’s not in the cards. It hasn’t been in the cards, and it’s not in the cards. I think we’ve been pretty consistent on that front.”

2023 – March 7 Asked again about a peace pact

“The players that are playing on that [LIV] tour are contractually obligated to play on that tour. So any hypotheticals at this point are not really relevant.

But our position, to answer your question directly, has not changed.”

Pressed on whether the PGA Tour model for 2024 mirrors much of the LIV format

“Do you think we really look the same? You know, the players that are competing in our events in this new format next year will have earned the right to compete in them and they will have earned it through top-50 position in the Fedex Cup this year, as well as their performance in the fall and ultimately in these swings. That’s what this organization has always stood for.”

June 6

His statement after a shock peace deal is announced between the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour and the LIV Series

“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love. This transformational partnership recognises the immeasurable strength of the PGA Tour’s history, legacy and procompetitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV, including the team golf concept, to create an organisation that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans.”