Professional Golfer Criticizes LIV Golf Team Model as “Fake” and Casts Doubt on Tiger Woods’ TGL

PGA Tour pro Peter Malnati has stirred controversy by criticizing LIV Golf’s team model as “forced” and “fake,” while also expressing doubts about Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s new venture, TGL.

Speaking candidly after a third-round 66 at The Players Championship, Malnati, one of six player directors on the PGA Tour, aired his grievances. He disclosed that the player directors were left uninformed about a scheduled meeting with PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan, raising concerns about transparency within the organization.

While fellow player director Adam Scott has urged a meeting with PIF to negotiate a deal, Malnati’s attention was squarely focused on his disdain for the team aspect of LIV Golf. He described it as “forced,” “contrived,” and questioned whether golf fans genuinely care about the outcome of team events.

Regarding TGL, the brainchild of Woods and McIlroy, which suffered a setback due to a stadium roof collapse, Malnati expressed uncertainty about its premise. He admitted to limited knowledge about TGL but noted its similarity to LIV Golf in terms of team ownership and promotion.

Malnati’s remarks have ignited discussions within the golf community, highlighting differing perspectives on the evolving landscape of professional golf and the role of team-based formats in attracting fans and revenue.