PGA Championship 2022: A ‘major’ without a defending champion before the revolution of the petroglores

El PGA Championship 2022 happens to be the last ‘major’ before the golf map changes, we don’t know to what extent. The entry of a new circuit, the LIV Golf Invitational Serieswhose first event will take place in London from June 9 to 11, has meant that until the PGA Tour has prohibited its members from participating in the tournaments it organizes.

The new player is none other than Arabia Saud which, through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), has put not only Americans in check, but also Europeans and Asians. To begin with, the players on the American tour, who enjoy three exemptions each season to go to events that conflict with the Tour schedule, have had their requests to participate in London denied. The PGA, which even during apartheid did not ban golfers from playing in South Africa, now seems to have seen a serious threat to its business.

The current crisis stages it well Phil Mickelsonwho last year won the tournament, becoming the oldest golfer to win a major, and who this course has not come to defend his title after having established himself as the champion of LIV Golfwith Greg Norman in the role of CEO.

For sure, Jon Rahm will miss ‘Lefty’, a great friend of his. Due to his absence, they asked the Basque: “Phil has to do what Phil thinks he has to do. He’s a good friend of mine. The truth is that I can’t remember the last time a great champion didn’t defend a title, but he has to do what he thinks is best for him.. Of course I would have liked it to be,” answered ‘Rahmbo’.

Nicklaus, not for all the gold in the world

Where Phil and Greg said yes, we learned yesterday that Jack Nicklaus said no and also rejected what only a handful of human beings would have rejected. “The Saudis offered me a little over $100 million to do work probably similar to what Greg is doing.” [Norman]. I rejected it. Once verbally and once in writing. I said, ‘Guys, I have to stay with the PGA Tour. He helped start the PGA Tour,'” the ‘Golden Bear’ revealed.

Tiger, also loyal

Tiger Woods made it clear at a press conference that they do not count on him for a change of scenery: “I believe in what Jack [Nicklaus] y Arnold [Palmer] they did, the break with the PGA of America, creating our Tour in ’68 or ’69. I think there’s a legacy in that. I’ve been playing here for over a couple of decades and I still thinking that the circuit has a lot to offer and many opportunities. I believe in great championships and in being able to make historical comparisons. Also there is a lot of money hereit is growing”, explained the winner of 15 majors, who left a message: “That’s right, here nobody guarantees you anything in advance”.