Lee Westwood pleads for the end of golf’s division: “That’s what you want at the highest level”

In a candid press conference ahead of his U.S. Senior Open debut, Lee Westwood voiced his frustrations over the ongoing conflict between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. As a prominent figure in the golfing world, Westwood’s insights shed light on the need for unity among top players and the impact of the current divide on the sport and its fans.

Lee Westwood, a veteran in the golfing arena, has had a storied career. The 51-year-old Englishman, who recently joined LIV Golf, has been a key player in professional golf for decades.

Known for his resilience and consistency, Westwood has represented Europe in ten Ryder Cups and held the number one spot in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2010. Despite his success, Westwood has also been known for his candid nature, often speaking his mind on various issues affecting the sport.

Westwood’s career took a turn when he joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. This move was met with mixed reactions, as the breakaway tour has been a source of contention within the golfing community. However, Westwood remains a respected voice in the sport, and his recent declarations have added to the ongoing discourse.

Lee Westwood: The War Between PGA Tour and LIV Golf

Addressing the media at the US Senior Open, Lee Westwood emphasized the detrimental effects of the current schism in professional golf.

“No matter what the level of golf is, I think if the best players at every level don’t come together and play, there’s only one loser, and that’s the fans watching,” Westwood stated.

His call for unity underscores the importance of having top players compete regularly, not just in major tournaments.

Lee Westwood highlighted that the divide has made the four major championships—the Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, and The Open Championship—more significant than ever. These events remain the rare occasions where fans can see top players from both tours compete.

“It’s basically getting all the best players together in one tournament to compete against each other, and that’s what you want at the highest level. You want all the best players there,” he explained.

Lee Westwood’s plea comes as the PGA Tour attempts to negotiate a deal with LIV Golf’s backer, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The ongoing negotiations and the uncertain future have left many players and fans in limbo, longing for a resolution that brings together the best talents in golf.

Westwood also reflected on his recent performances and his prospects in the U.S. Senior Open. Despite not having much success in LIV Golf, his recent tie for third at LIV Golf Nashville has boosted his confidence.

“I started to swing well, and my whole game was coming together… I probably haven’t been working as hard on my game as I would have liked to, but I put in a bit more work in the week off,” he shared.

His remarks on the pace of play during practice rounds at Newport Country Club also drew attention.

“What I have noticed is practice rounds out here are way faster than everywhere else. It’s such a joy, and it’s so refreshing to play nine holes in two hours in a practice round,” Westwood noted, subtly criticizing the slower pace seen in younger players.

Lee Westwood’s declarations highlight the need for resolving the ongoing feud between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. His call for unity among top players and his reflections on recent performances offer a glimpse into the challenges and hopes within the golfing world.

As negotiations continue, the golfing community looks to voices like Westwood’s for guidance and hope for a future where the best players can compete side-by-side, delighting fans and preserving the sport’s integrity.