News of the Premier Golf League that could attract players broke out a few weeks ago. The PGL is to be a direct competitor to the PGA, which is the main organiser of golf events in the United States and North America. With plans to start in 2022, the PGL had hoped to secure the interest of players before then to solidify their plans. But it seems that is not going well.

Initially, some players, including Tiger Woods had expressed their interest or, at least, consideration to join the new body, with Woods describing it as “a natural evolution”, stating that it was normal for a new league to emerge sooner or later. Not everyone shares same view now.

World number one, Rory McIlroy had, few weeks ago in Mexico, doubted if he would join the new league saying, “the more I’ve thought about it, the more I don’t like it.” McIlroy emphasized the freedom and autonomy he enjoys currently in the PGA as something he would not trade off for any reason.

This freedom is based on the fact that he can decide on which event to play in and which one to stay out of, something the PGL was not offering. Though he added that if more players join the PGL, he may be forced to.

Brooks Koepka, who was replaced at number 1 by McIlroy last month, has also expressed his decision to stay out of the league stating, “I am out of the PGL tour…I am going with the PGA,” adding that he does not believe golf should be about 48 people, as the PGL had proposed a league with 48 players and 4 teams to 12 people each.

Spanish golfer, John Rahm, sitting at number 2 on the OWGR, has also said that he would “focus on just the PGA tour.” He said he was just a competitor and would like to remain in the PGA.

So there you have it, the top three players in the world choosing to stay out of the new league. This would be a big blow on the PGL as they needed the interest of the players to set plans in motion.

 
 
Written by: Leon Osamor