Proposed Saudi Golf League Suffers Setback

Several top-ranking players have reaffirmed their support and commitment to the PGA Tour, dashing any hopes that the proposed Super Golf League could start anytime soon. Last week, there were rumours that some high-profile players like Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau would be joining the new league. But both players have come to debunk such stories.

Jonson, who had last week called the new league a good concept, released a statement on Sunday denouncing any speculation that he could be a part of the new league, saying: “Over the past several months, there has been a great deal of speculation about an alternative tour; much of which seems to have included me and my future in professional golf.

“I feel it is now time to put such speculation to rest. I am fully committed to the PGA Tour.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family.

“While there will always be areas where our Tour can improve and evolve, I am thankful for our leadership and the many sponsors who make the PGA Tour golf’s premier tour.”

DeChambeau also released a statement affirming his commitment to the PGA.

The PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, had reminded players that they could face sanctions, including lifetime bans from the PGA Tour if they identified with the new league.

Other players who have denounced the Saudi Golf League include Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, who said the project was “dead in the water”. Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, and Brooks Koepka have also shown their support to the PGA.

But the Saudi Golf League still has a few supporters. 51-year-old Phil Mickelson has said that he would join the Saudi Golf League as it would present an opportunity for the PGA to reshape itself.  He had accused the PGA of being greedy, which was forcing players to seek opportunities elsewhere. Lee Westwood admitted he had signed a non-discourse already, in connection with the Saudi League, while Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson have also shown interest.

No high-profile player has shown support for the proposed league and this could affect how well the league performs if the idea even takes off. The PGA might be forced to do more to keep their players from looking the other way.

Written by: Leon Osamor