By no means eager to take an enormous stance on something in his 25 years because the main determine within the sport, Woods took up the reason for the massive excursions and the most important championships towards LIV Golf.
And he did so with a ardour that was startling to even seasoned Tiger observers.
If golf’s institution wished Tiger Woods up on their barricades in golf’s civil struggle, he got here out all weapons blazing at St Andrews.
His attraction was significantly geared toward youthful gamers coming into skilled golf being courted by LIV. He puzzled aloud whether or not they might stroll in his footsteps on the nice main championships in the event that they joined the Saudi-backed insurgent tour.
Woods was talking at what he described as “in all probability probably the most historic Open ever” forward of the one hundred and fiftieth championship. He invoked the legacy of the game, the excursions and even his personal journey by prejudice.
On those that had defected to LIV – “I believe that what they’ve carried out is that they’ve turned their again on what has allowed them to get to this place.”
On LIV CEO Norman – “Greg has carried out some issues that I don’t suppose are in the perfect curiosity of our recreation. We’re coming again to in all probability probably the most historic and conventional place in our sport. I imagine (not inviting him to St Andrews) was the best factor.”
On younger gamers tempted by LIV – “They’ll go proper from the newbie ranks proper into that organisation. They’ll by no means actually obtained an opportunity to play a Tour schedule or to play in some huge occasions.
“A few of these gamers could not ever get an opportunity to play in main championships. By no means get an opportunity to expertise this proper right here at St Andrews, or stroll down the fairways at Augusta Nationwide.
“It will be unhappy to see a few of these younger youngsters by no means get an opportunity to expertise that, stroll these hallowed grounds and play in these championships.
“That, to me, I simply don’t perceive it.”
On the LIV Golf format – “What these gamers are doing for assured cash, what’s the incentive to practise? What’s the incentive to go on the market and earn it within the filth? You’re simply getting paid some huge cash up entrance and enjoying a couple of occasions and enjoying 54 holes.
“54 holes is nearly like a mandate once you get to the Senior Tour. The blokes are little bit older and a little bit extra banged up. However once you’re at this younger age and a few of these youngsters, 72-hole checks are a part of it.”
