LIV Golf slammed in unequivocal statement from furious former Open winner

Golf legend Sir Bob Charles, known for his victory at The Open in 1963, has delivered a strong critique of the LIV Golf series, voicing his deep disapproval. Charles, a prominent figure in golf, did not hold back in his recent statements, where he expressed a complete lack of support for the Saudi-funded tour.

The 88-year-old veteran’s criticism of LIV Golf follows the visit of tour officials to the Christchurch Golf Club in New Zealand, where Charles serves as a patron. It is speculated that LIV Golf is considering organizing an event in New Zealand, possibly as soon as 2025. However, this prospect has not been welcomed by Charles, who has swiftly and unequivocally distanced himself from the tour.

In a conversation with the Herald, Charles did not mince words, stating, “I hope they’re not playing at either of my golf courses. I don’t endorse LIV Golf in any way—in fact, quite the opposite. I want nothing to do with it. I wouldn’t walk across the street to watch.”

Charles went on to express his concern over the impact LIV Golf is having on the sport, remarking, “The traditional game that I’ve played for 50 years traveling around the world is in total upheaval, and they’re causing havoc—they’re causing problems, and I just have no time for LIV whatsoever.”

His disdain extended to the very essence of LIV Golf, which he criticized for straying from the traditional form of the game. “It’s not the traditional game… we had a certain set of rules, we had an organization, and they’re a bunch of boys playing in short pants. So I’ve got nothing nice to say about them whatsoever,” he added.

Charles also took aim at the players on the LIV Golf roster, many of whom he feels are undeserving of the substantial financial rewards they have received. He expressed skepticism about the credentials of these players, noting, “They’ve been offered some obscene sums of money, and some of the guys that play, I’ve never ever heard of. I don’t know that they deserve the money which they have been offered.”

Despite the visit from LIV Golf officials, Christchurch Golf Club general manager Mike Hadley clarified that there has been no further communication or follow-up regarding a potential event. Hadley confirmed the visit but stressed that nothing concrete had emerged from it.

Sir Bob Charles, who enjoyed a distinguished career playing on both the PGA Tour and the Senior PGA Tour, clearly feels that LIV Golf represents a departure from the values and traditions that have defined the sport for decades. His strong words reflect the deep division that LIV Golf has created within the golfing world, especially as discussions about a possible merger between the PGA Tour and LIV continue without a clear resolution. The proposed merger, announced in 2023, has yet to materialize, with key details of any potential deal still shrouded in uncertainty, particularly given the contrasting formats of the two organizations—LIV Golf’s 54-hole tournaments versus the traditional 72-hole format on the PGA Tour.