US Open 2023 Tee Times Released: Saudi-Funded LIV Golf League Dominates Discussion
On June 12, 2023, the US Open golf tournament will kick off at the Los Angeles Country Club. However, the discussion leading up to the event is less about the favorites and more about the future of professional golf. The reason is the surprise announcement of a framework deal between Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the PGA Tour, and DP World Tour.
The deal has sparked curiosity and talk at the driving range as players from the LIV Golf League join other former professional players from various tours. The previous year at The Country Club, LIV Golf held their inaugural event, raising concerns over its impact on the game. However, this year’s Masters and PGA Championship helped defuse the tension between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Now, the only question left is which group of players will perform better in the two majors.
LIV Golfers versus PGA Tour Players
It remains a question whether the more spread-out schedule that LIV golfers play may help them be better prepared compared to PGA Tour players, who have already competed in ten designated events or majors since the start of the year. LIV golfers had fewer competitions, but whether or not it gives them an edge will depend on their competitiveness and perseverance during the US Open.
Tee Times and Pairings
The USGA has released the tee times for the tournament, revealing some high-profile player pairings between LIV golfers and PGA Tour players.
On Thursday, notable groups include Shane Lowry, Justin Thomas, and Tommy Fleetwood. Gary Woodland, Adam Scott, and Corey Conners. Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, and Scottie Scheffler. Denny McCarthy, Joel Dahmen, and Adam Hadwin. And last but not least, Brooks Koepka, Hideki Matsuyama, and Rory McIlroy.
Friday’s groups include Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, and Keegan Bradley. Tony Finau, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay. Dustin Johnson, Keith Mitchell, and Sam Burns. Davis Thompson, Min Woo Lee, and Justin Suh.
Editorial: The Future of Professional Golf
The announcement of the deal between the PGA Tour, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour has significantly shifted the conversation around professional golf. For years, the sport has been dominated by the PGA Tour, but with the emergence of new leagues like LIV Golf, the landscape is changing.
On the one hand, some golf fans see the LIV Golf League as a threat to the PGA Tour and the game’s core values. They argue that the league’s big-money deals violate principles of the sport and demonstrate a lack of commitment to its origins. They contend that golf should prioritize the spirit of the game and the sportsmanship it promotes.
On the other hand, supporters of the LIV Golf League highlight its potential to revolutionize the sport. They argue that the league offers a fresh perspective to an age-old game, with innovative competition schedules, unique course layouts, and fan-friendly promotions. Furthermore, the LIV Golf League has brought a new breed of golfers to the fore, inspiring a new generation of fans.
<< photo by Allan Nygren >>
You might want to read !
- “Non-binary actors create history with Tony Award wins, thank acceptance speeches for promoting inclusivity”
- Getting Ready for the 2023 U.S. Open Golf: Odds, Picks, and Viewing Information
- “2023 U.S. Open Pairings: Who Will Tee Off Together at Golf’s Toughest Test?”
- Delightful moment as Alex Newell wins award in Tony’s receives recognition by viewers.
