Rory McIlroy's comments about the declining interest in professional golf sparked a huge debate among golf fans online.
McIlroy previously voiced concerns about the decline in TV ratings , noting a 20 percent drop in viewership for the PGA Tour and LIV Golf 's less-than-stellar viewership numbers. He blamed the decline on fans becoming tired of the ongoing conflict between the two leagues, cautioning that the rift could be detrimental to the sport as a whole.
But golf fans rushed to the comment section to share their perspectives , with many implying that McIlroy's stance was undersized compared to "real issues" plaguing the game today. Countless comments criticized the state of golf, claiming that the sport has become money-driven instead of focusing on the quality of the game itself.
The FedEx Cup was highlighted as a main factor in the issues, with some fans feeling that lesser-known golfers are being featured on tour. The structure cuts from 70 of the top point earners to 50 and then down to 30 players, which, in fans' opinion, removes prospect names from the sport.
Outside of money, fans also claim that the personality and flair that made golf exciting in previous eras are gone. One fan noted, "No one knows many golfers on the PGA anymore; it's a who's that, not a who's who. There are a handful of players anyone can identify right. It may turn around as people get to know some of these up-and-comers. Look at all the first-time winners there have been. You don't see the great battles like you used to."
Another fan said, "Today's PGA players, for the most part, are boring. The level of play and competition is at an all-time high, but the result is that players are more like robots. The most interesting thing to happen in golf this year was off the course was Scottie Scheffler getting locked up on the way to the course."
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Fans in the comments also defended LIV Golf, saying that the alternative league is more interactive with its fanbase. The overwhelming suggestion was that the PGA and LIV should allow players to compete seamlessly in either tournament if both truly cared about the fans.
The criticism of the sport continued down to the number of commercials aired during PGA tournaments and the quality of TV coverage. Another golf supporter wrote, "The viewership is down because the quality of the product has declined.
"Inane commentary, endless commercials, poor coverage of the field in general, and fewer big names ]thanks to LIV] all add to declining interest. I switch the channel every time they network wanders off on some supposed "human interest" story. Stick to golf."
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