Generations of professional golfers built the tour. Arnie's Army brought golf to our homes. Tiger's energy and greatness exploded the tour to what it is today, driving the advertising revenue and player purses through the ceiling. Those leaving for the LIV Tour were the beneficiaries of their predecessors' efforts.
PGA Tour money is earned. A player eats what he kills. Miss the cut. No coffee. Putts matter.
The LIV Tour is not the American Basketball Association of the late 1960's - 1970's or the World Football League from the mid 1970s, where one could make a choice about playing in a different league if that league seemed more attractive than the NBA or NFL.
Rather, the Saudis (because they can) are buying players, and offering guaranteed money. Phil was reportedly paid $200 million (made the choice to pay off his gambling debts). DJ, Bryson, Keopka were each paid $100 million. Cam Smith has been offered $90 million.
Hence, this is not arms length competition between two tours. The Saudis are buying their own tour, their own league. They could do the same with professional tennis, football, baseball, basketball.
And yes, I am not naive. Money is often a driver in sports. See Premier League. But there is a difference between player compensations versus creating a new league by raiding the cupboard with enormous sums of guaranteed money.
It will dilute the PGA. I fear more players will capitulate, placing their families' financial welfare ahead of one's principles.
But, it is about a player's character and integrity. Rory has it. Not so much for the Assholes who sold their souls to the Devil.