Tiger Woods now has a chance to help bring the game back together, by making a move toward LIV Golf’s Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm.
Even though it’s been over a year since he last played, Woods is still the PGA Tour’s biggest name. DeChambeau and Rahm are without doubt the top attractions on the LIV circuit.
It’s frustrating for fans that we don’t get to see these players go head-to-head regularly outside of the four majors. A merger between the PGA Tour and LIV doesn’t seem any closer now than it did two or three years ago.
LIV is said to be holding firm on keeping its team format as part of any joint arrangement with the PGA Tour, which remains one of the major roadblocks.
The formation of LIV Golf also helped lead to bigger purses for those who chose to remain with the PGA Tour. Although LIV defectors are still banned from competing in tour events, this could become a key talking point down the line if there is ever another attempt at merging both sides.
Tiger Woods has a chance to bring golf together by extending an offer to Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm
Seventeen players have already been confirmed for the Hero World Challenge, which begins on December 4th, including 11 of the top 20 in the world.
There are still three spots up for grabs though, known as ‘tournament exemptions’. Those are picks Tiger gets to make himself. So why not use them to send a message? He could invite DeChambeau, Rahm, and another LIV name—maybe Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Joaquin Niemann or even Phil Mickelson.
It’s worth noting that the Hero World Challenge isn’t a PGA Tour sanctioned event. While it’s listed on the PGA Tour calendar, the event is organised and run by Woods’ TGR Live.
The Hero World Challenge does provide world ranking points though, which would certainly appeal to players like DeChambeau and Rahm.
There doesn’t appear to be any rule stopping LIV players from taking part in this event. And if Tiger wants them there, he has every bit of power needed to make it happen.
The professional game needs something new. A fresh start. Maybe bringing DeChambeau and Rahm into the Hero World Challenge could be exactly what sparks it all off again under Woods’ leadership.
Could LIV players join the field at the Hero World Challenge?
With tensions still running high between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, adding DeChambeau and Rahm to the Hero World Challenge would undoubtedly stir up some controversy.
Even so, there’s a real chance here to take a meaningful step towards uniting the two sides. Right now, it doesn’t look like either camp is ready to back down.
The PGA Tour didn’t allow DeChambeau to play in the Procore Championship last month, even though it was an exhibition event that included many of his Ryder Cup teammates.
Now Woods has a chance to make a statement by inviting DeChambeau and Rahm to play at Albany Golf Club in December.
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The buzz around Woods’ tournament would be massive if DeChambeau and Rahm were in the same field as Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele.
TV ratings would likely skyrocket, giving everyone involved with golf a preview of what could be possible down the line.