Golf is a sport that is usually quite resistant to change, although there could be some massive alterations made to the top of the sport in the near future.
The PGA Tour has long been the destination for the world's best players, with a few events on the European equivalent the only other attractions to golf's biggest names.
However, that status quo is now being challenged.
The Saudi Arabian backed 'Super Golf League' is threatening to muscle its way into the frame. The tour would reportedly see 12-14 events over the years, with a field of 40 players and no threat of missing the cut in tournaments. The prize money would be massive, with a number of big names reportedly already offered huge sums to commit to the events.
It is thought that any players that sign up to the competition could be banned from the PGA and European Tours, as well as the Ryder Cup.
Lee Westwood is thought to be in negotiations with its organisers and admitted that he has signed a non disclosure agreement to block him from discussing it publicly. Adam Scott admitted this week he is in a similar situation.
Despite this, some of the more prominent names on the PGA Tour have already stated that they will not be jumping ship. Jon Rahm and Colin Marikawa have admitted they have little interest in the event, while you can also add Rory McIlroy to that list.
Rory McIlroy warns players away from Super Golf League
Speaking ahead of this week's Genesis Invitational in California, the Down native said that it is telling that a number of the current challengers for major titles have distances themselves from the Super Golf League and that it may only appeal to those coming towards the end of their career.
I don't know if I'm curious, but yeah, I guess I'm intrigued who would (join)...
Certainly for the younger guys it just seems a massive risk. I can maybe make sense of it for the guys that are getting to the latter stages of their careers.
I don't think that's what a rival golf league is really going to want, is it?
I don't know. I understand the financial part of it for guys that are later on in their career.
You look at the people that have already said no the top players in the world are saying no, so that has to tell you something.
The money on offer would certainly be appealing for those who are unlikely to land many big tournaments at the tail end of their careers.
Even so, Rory McIlroy wonders how much emphasis professional golfers should be placing on the purely financial side of the sport. Here is what he had to say to Golf Digest on the matter:
Look, I’ve lived it—for the top guys, all that money really isn’t going to change their life.
I’m in a way better financial position than I was a decade ago and my life is no different. I still use the same three, four rooms in my house. I just don’t see the value in tarnishing a reputation for extra millions.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out in the months ahead.
We could soon have a real split in professional golf on our hands.
SEE ALSO: PGA Tour Golfer Thinks Saudi Golf League ‘Needs Rory McIlroy’
