Since time immemorial, controversies have had the knack of grabbing headlines. After all, it is human nature to pause and take note of disagreements, discordant topics, and forming an opinion on them. As a sport known to build integrity and character, golf too hasn’t been spared of uncomfortable moments and its share of controversies. Time may have dimmed some of the episodes, but they remain an integral part of golfing history.
World golf is still hurting from the fracas between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and the rift is currently among the major talking points in the sport’s top echelons.
Presenting our compilation of some of the major controversies to hit the world of golf over time.
LIV Golf merger with PGA Tour, and other controversies in golf to know about
1. 1968 Masters: A Scorecard Blooper
In one of professional golf’s worst gaffes, Argentinian golfer Roberto De Vicenzo overlooked his scorecard to oust himself from a playoff with Bob Goalby, the eventual winner of the Green Jacket at The Masters Tournament. The fact that it occurred on De Vicenzo’s birthday made the blunder all the more unforgettable. The Argentine was greeted by cheery spectators wishing him happy birthday as he walked the course, unaware of what fate had in store for him later in the day.
When both players finished their Sunday rounds at 11-under par, the tournament was set up for an 18-hole playoff between De Vicenzo and Goalby, until the scorecards were turned in. In one of the most stunning slips in tournament history, De Vicenzo signed the scorecard without noticing that his playing partner Tommy Aaron had recorded his score on Hole 17 as par rather than a birdie. He missed the playoff by one agonising shot, and was obliged to accept the higher score.
2. John Daly Engages In A Brawl
Often dubbed “Long John”, John Daly is without doubt one of the oddball characters in the annals of golf. While the 56-year-old’s has put together some outstanding performances throughout his long golf career, his track record has been tainted by controversies.
During the 1994 PGA Tour’s NEC World Series of Golf, Daly and Jeff Roth’s father got into a row over proper course behaviour. Daly had twice hit the ball into the group in front of him at the Firestone Country Club’s North Course, which annoyed Roth. Those present claim that after the two exchanged words, Bob Roth, 62, grabbed Daly from behind. Roth Sr and Daly tumbled to the ground, engaged in a brief fight, and had to be separated by spectators. Neither was seriously injured; however, Roth’s left elbow was scraped and needed to be given first aid.
3. PGA Tour-LIV Golf Controversy
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In June 2023, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf reached an agreement to merge, ending months of legal disputes between the traditional tour and newcomer.
Founded in 2021, LIV Golf signed up top PGA Tour stars like Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson for enormous deals with the financial support of the Saudi-backed Public Investment Fund. Many claimed the tour was a part of Saudi Arabia’s attempts to use sport to boost its public image after being lambasted for its abuse of human rights and corruption. Human rights groups have branded LIV Golf as sports-washing.
In June 2022, following the LIV Golf controversy, the PGA Tour warned that players who competed in LIV Golf events would face sanctions for competing in a conflicting event. Later, LIV Golf joined a lawsuit filed by numerous golfers against the PGA Tour for antitrust violations, claiming the PGA Tour used its influence to punish players who competed in LIV Golf events, thereby stifling competition. The PGA Tour responded by suing LIV Golf and the Public Investment Fund, alleging them of meddling in its business by inciting players to breach their contracts.
At one point, PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, acknowledged LIV Golf’s economic strength and felt a merger would be advantageous for all parties. The corporate board members of the PGA Tour hence made the decision to merge. Further, Monahan underlined the benefits of combining golf companies — PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour) — in order to expand the game and drive its future. The PGA Tour will be able to maintain its tax-exempt status thanks to the framework agreement. Once an agreement is finalised, the tour will become a for-profit corporation controlled by the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund as the entity’s sole investor.
In August 2023, Monahan said that mistakes had been made prior to the tour’s unexpected and acrimonious merger with Saudi-backed LIV Golf in June, but insisted that it was the right choice and expressed optimism that a solution could be reached.
As of November 2023, the PGA Tour organisers are reportedly still in talks with the Saudi Public Investment Fund regarding outside investors. They are expected to come a decision by December 31 2023, though this deadline may be extended.
4. Martha Burk vs Augusta National’s No-Woman Membership Policy
This one is arguably one of the most controversial issues the esteemed Augusta National has ever encountered. In a highly publicised dispute with Augusta over its policy of not accepting women as members, rights activist Martha Burk took to the streets. The activist wrote to the then-chairman of Augusta, William “Hootie” Johnson, who responded by claiming that the club would not be forced to rethink its stance “at the point of a bayonet”.
At the 2003 Masters, Burk organised a rally that only attracted about 40 others to attend but created a big impact nonetheless. Johnson discontinued all corporate sponsorship for the tournaments in 2003 and 2004, and Augusta National’s membership policy remained in the news for several years. On August 20, 2012, Augusta finally welcomed its first two female members: American investor and philanthropist Darla Moore and diplomat and political scientist Condoleezza Rice.
5. BombTech Golf: Conforming vs Non-Conforming Drivers
In 2012, Tyler Sullivan started the golf equipment business BombTech Golf. The company makes golf clubs like drivers, irons, wedges, and putters, and has earned a track record for making clubs that assist players in hitting it longer and straighter.
The design of BombTech Golf’s golf clubs, particularly their drivers, has been the subject of dispute. The United States Golf Association (USGA), which is in charge of enforcing golf regulations in the US, tested the BombTech Golf drivers and found that they have more flexibility than is permitted by the rules. As a result, the drivers are not permitted to be used in USGA-sanctioned events, including the majority of professional golf tournaments. BombTech Golf has defended the design of its drivers in response to the controversy, asserting that they conform to the game’s rules and regulations.
In summary, the BombTech Golf controversy is an issue of complexity that poses serious questions about the future of golf. It will be interesting to observe how regulatory bodies and golf equipment manufacturers respond to the troubles brought on by new technology and innovation as the sport evolves.
6. Golf Digest‘s Cover Controversy
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Golf Digest was criticised heavily in 2014 when, after failing to feature a female golfer on its cover for six years, chose to feature model Paulina Gretzky — the daughter of NHL great Wayne Gretzky and the then-fiancée of PGA player Dustin Johnson — on its May 2014 cover. Her appearance on the cover did not go down well, and there were remarks from LPGA players who were miffed that an amateur golfer with an influential background was being put in the spotlight.
LPGA Tour Commissioner Mike Whan released a statement in which he echoed the worries voiced by LPGA players. Following the uproar, the publication defended its decision to put Paulina on the cover, stating that she had an interesting backstory to share and could potentially attract new players to the game.
7. Battle of Brookline
Brookline is synonymous with some of the most controversial events to occur on a golf course. On the final day of the 1999 Ryder Cup, Justin Leonard and Jose Maria Olazabal were tied in their singles match. The American squad went into a frenzy as Leonard holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole. Leonard’s birdie led players, their spouses, caddies, and cameramen to swarm the green, with Olazabal still to putt.
After the unwarranted chaos subsided, Olazabal had a 25-foot putt to keep Europe’s hopes alive. Olazabal missed, and Team USA won. The actions and conduct of the American team and spectators throughout the three days in Brookline drew harsh criticism from both the US and European media. The American triumph at the time marked the biggest Ryder Cup comeback victory on the last day.
(Main image: Getty Images; Featured image: Simon Bruty/ Anychance/ Getty Images)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is so controversial about LIV Golf?
The LIV Golf Series is financially supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. LIV Golf is perceived as a political effort to restore the Saudi monarchy’s shattered reputation, which has been tarnished by claims of corruption and human rights violations.
– Why are people so against LIV Golf?
PGA Tour fans were left in the lurch as LIV Golf aggressively signed up several superstars, including Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau. Another significant reason why people dislike LIV Golf is the scandal surrounding their Saudi Arabian financial backing. Lastly, golf enthusiasts and many golfers themselves feel that LIV is violating golf traditions.
– What’s the big deal and controversy about LIV Golf?
LIV Golf intends to revolutionise the golfing landscape with an innovative plan that upends the fundamentals of conventional golf. They were able to set challenging objectives and create appropriate avenues to reach their goals owing to their bold vision and strategic planning. They have adopted new formats, like no-cut, 54-hole team-based tournaments and creative broadcast experiences, as a result of their innovative strategies. Last but not least, LIV has evolved as an exclusive golf brand that has resonated with the audience.