Jordan Spieth admits he ‘would be lying’ if he disputed LIV Golf’s influence on the PGA Tour – The Guardian

LIV golf series

  • PGA Tour changes include reduced fields and no cuts for 2024
  • American opens in Florida with a four under par 68

Jordan Spieth is the latest high-profile player to admit the LIV Golf threat has sparked major changes on the PGA Tour.

It emerged this week that the PGA Tour will switch to reduced fields and no cuts in a series of $20m (£16m) events in 2024 for participation in a similar format.

McIlroy defends PGA Tour changes but LIV rebels are quick to scoff

“I would be lying if I said we would have gotten through it without LIV,” said Spieth. “But at the same time, we haven’t mentioned them in any of our discussions about what we think is best for the tour.

“The tour was all ears. It was a player-friendly, player-organized situation. It was honestly quite fun to be a part of. I hope we can do it the right way and not have to make too many adjustments because now it’s all about getting it right the first time.”

Spieth, who opened the Arnold Palmer Invitational here in Florida with four under par 68s, unsurprisingly thinks the future of the PGA Tour looks strong. “I’m very supportive,” he said. “Nevertheless, you have to play well to be in the best position. It’s a situation where anyone with a full tour ticket can attend every single event. I think that’s important to note. Then hopefully a future product model will emerge for the next 20 years or more that is even better than before. I try to be there for these big events in the next 20 years.

quick start Guide

How do I sign up for breaking sports news notifications?

  • Download the Guardian app from the iOS App Store on iPhone or the Google Play Store on Android by searching for ‘The Guardian’.
  • If you already have the Guardian app, make sure you’re using the latest version.
  • In the Guardian app, tap the menu button in the bottom right, then go to Settings (the gear icon) and then Notifications.
  • Turn on sports notifications.

Show Hide

“I think we’ve struck a pretty good balance at the moment, sticking with the story but also making modern adjustments that I think adequately reward the guys who are beating the best in the world week in and week out.”

Scottie Scheffler, the defending champion, matched Spieth’s result of the day. Jon Rahm, who has already won three times in 2023, looks in the mood to continue his great streak after opening with a 65. The Spaniard finished eagle, birdie, birdie to take a two-shot lead.

{{#Ticker}}

{{top left}}

{{bottom left}}

{{top right}}

{{bottom right}}

{{#goalExceededMarkerPercentage}}{{/goalExceededMarkerPercentage}}{{/ticker}}

{{Headline}}

{{#paragraphs}}

{{.}}

{{/paragraphs}}{{highlightedText}}
{{#choiceCards}}{{/choiceCards}}We will contact you to remind you to contribute. Look for a message in your inbox in . If you have any questions about the post, please contact us.