Since over a month, the rift between LIV Golf Tour and PGA Tour is a source of controversy. Other stakeholders, such as equipment manufacturers, have expressed their desire to cancel contracts with LIV players. PXG’s founder Bob Parsons has sponsored many former PGA Tour golfers, including Patrick Reed.
Parsons revealed in an interview with Esquire the main reasons why his company did not renew contracts with current LIV Players, including Patrick Reed. Parsons confirmed to Esquire this week that it would be difficult for PXG get involved with players who are under contract with the ‘Saudi-bankrolled league’.
Parsons is a 72 year old Vietnam War veteran who has expressed his views, which are based on his nationalistic ideals. He admitted that “the things that happened at 9/11” prevented him from doing business with LIV Golf.
PXG boss Bob Parsons revealed his nationalistic feelings as the reason for not continuing to work with LIV golf players, including Patrick Reed
LIV Golf is a source of controversy not only among the golfing community and PGA members, but also for the families of 9/11 victims . They have a dark connection with the Saudi-backed Tour. 15 hijackers were Saudi Arabians. The Twin Towers attacks, which killed almost 3,000 people in total, are among the deadliest to have occurred in the United States.
LIV Golf was also accused by 9/11 of a Saudi Arabian government attempt to sports-wash in order to improve their image after criticism over its human rights record. The Saudi government has, however, denied any such allegations of human rights abuse.
Parson continues, “I consider myself a patriot, and I will make this clear here. On the LIV Tour, I am a patriotic.” After 9/11, it’s hard for me to get involved. I understand that sometimes bygones are bygones and I have forgiven many people. Jane Fonda is one of those people who I’ve forgiven for her actions during the Vietnam War. I’m not angry with her anymore. I get it. She was stupid and young. “I just can’t bring myself to do [LIV], but the heroes all agree.”
The controversy here is also a different one. PXG still has contracts with other LIV players like Jason Kokrak, Hudson Swafford and others. The fact that their images still appeared on the PXG Troops website was confirmed.
Parsons clarifies that “we really didn’t have any guys on the tour.” I’m talking about some guys who had contracts and went on the tour. I honored those contracts. Now that the contracts have expired, I no longer have a contract with them. I also don’t believe they can sign sponsorship deals with the LIV Tour. I don’t really know. “I could be speaking outside of school but if I were given the opportunity, I would not do it.”
This will not have a significant impact on Patrick Reed, as he’s still sponsored by TaylorMade. He appears to still be carrying a full set of TaylorMade clubs. Other LIV players had to compromise their sponsorship deals after joining the Saudi-sponsored League. Sergio Garcia, for example, lost his Adidas deal after signing with LIV Golf. Cobra Puma Golf will not continue to work with Bryson deChambeau once their contract expires.
The LIV Golf saga is being viewed from a new perspective by equipment manufacturers and brand names. This new perspective brings a new perspective to this ongoing chaos in golf.
