By: Aditeya Das
Political battles are everywhere! We have the republicans against the democrats, the BJP against Congress, and the tories against the labor party, all of which have repercussions on a national and global scale. However, this article is about politics in a sport. An ongoing battle on who represents the ‘Gentleman’s Sport’ better. A political fight between the Saudis of LIV golf, and the Americans of the PGA.
The problem with this battle is that it is destroying golf. It is as if LIV and the PGA are 2 different parties fighting for seats in the parliament that is the sport of golf. The players are the politicians fighting for seats in parliament. Using this visual it is possible to understand how this political battle is happening in action.
The PGA tour is the conservative party. They want to retain the historical part of the Gentleman’s sport. Sophistication, serenity, and etiquette, are all the staples of the PGA tour. Historically, they have always been the namesake of skill and class. Only the best of the best play in the PGA, allowing them to have an overwhelming majority in the sport of golf.
LIV can be thought of as the liberal party. It wants to make golf loud, fun, and suspenseful. Their slogan “the future of golf” is reminiscent of trump's “make America Great Again”. Unlike the PGA it is fast-paced. There is a shotgun start where players quickly rush to begin. There are different teams all fighting for places on the leaderboard. Finally, there are massive stakes with 4 million dollars up for grabs for who gets first place. All of this is supposed to appeal to the younger generation and there is nothing wrong with that. Like every political party, they want to get votes from the electorate, and saying that they aren’t a real political party is like saying any liberal party is not a real political party.
Winning in the LIV (Left) Vs winning in the PGA: You tell me which one is liberal and which one is traditional
However, just like some real parties, their finances are somewhat controversial. LIV as said before is backed by Saudis. And when we talk about Saudis there are only 2 words: “Oil Money”. Currently, LIV has prize money that is valued much more than the PGA tour. This money is effectively turning into a bribe that is being paid to opposing party members or golfers to turn to the liberal party. Along with this, the fact that this money is coming from a country with massive discrimination against women, and a highly controversial monarchy is bringing down criticism upon the morality of LIV.
This hate against LIV, although somewhat justified, is also ruining the fabric of the gentleman's game. Just like what everyone says, politics ruin everything. If there is politics, we can see a future of dirty tactics, corruption and so much more just like what we see right now. The gentleman’s game may not be very gentlemanly anymore.
Along with this players or the party members are not being respected as well. Some of the best players in the world have been criticized and shamed for joining LIV, stating that they are joining because of the money. Not only is this possibly just a way of the PGA strong-arming players, but it could potentially ruin the careers of the many players who have worked so hard to be where they are.
This is one of the clear starting bases for an ugly battle between the PGA tour and LIV and the future looks bleak. Without a conclusion, we could see golf divided through the middle for the rest of its life. However, all is not lost. In fact, LIV golf is beginning to be a formidable opponent that even PGA tour fans like me are enjoying. If this keeps up we could see LIV as a potential equal to the PGA where the best players have a chance of joining either one. That way those who watch golf can enjoy it the way they want to.
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The T in tories is not capitalised. This is an incredible affront, and I, an average citizen of the United Kingdom will not stand for it!
Similarly as importing two thirds of our cheese is a disgrace, this uncapitalised T represents the decline of our beautiful English civilisation into barbarity and brutalism.
- Definitely Not Liz Truss