Major champion claims LIV defectors are easily replaced

24/12/2023 17:38

Former women’s Major winner Laura Davies doesn’t believe there is much need for the PGA Tour to sweat the defections to LIV Golf.

Davies admits that she isn’t a fan of the LIV Golf format as a championship golf purist.

However, she also concedes that it would be hard for anyone to turn down the sums of money being thrown about.

"It just goes to show that everyone has their price," Davies said. "The trouble is for these players going to LIV is that there are guys going to fill their boots who are very good players. We've already got Ludvig Aberg coming through, another superstar in the making.

"And look at Cam Smith? Would anyone actually know how he is doing with LIV and that he was the Open champion before he went? Nobody really knows how he plays anymore.

"Don't get me wrong. If anyone offered me that kind of money, I'd be there. I'm not criticizing them, but they are easily replaced. Maybe people won't think about Jon Rahm eventually?"

Davies doesn’t find LIV Golf to be a captivating spectacle and isn’t a fan of the shotgun start.

"I'm not interested in the three rounds or the shotgun start," she added. "As a sports fan, I like 72-hole championship golf where you finish on the 18th, not the fifth. LIV is not for me."

Davies is delighted that the women’s game has really progressed in terms of prize money and is now catching up to the earnings on the PGA Tour.

"My biggest check was $240,000 and that was at the JC Penney event with John Daly in 1999," she reflected.

"I think most of my checks on the LPGA were between $60,000 and $90,000 for winning. In the women's game especially, it has all changed for the better and good luck to them. I'm not envious of these girls one bit as I love to see it."

The 2024 AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews may be a fitting farewell for this distinguished, acclaimed champion, but Davies will not be swayed by sentiment or the thought of a dewy-eyed, visor-doffing last hurrah.

"Next year will be the final one of my exemption, but at the moment I don't think I can tee up," Davies said.

"I'm playing in a few senior events before then and if I show any signs of encouragement at all then I might play. But I don't want to take someone's spot. It would be lovely to walk over the bridge on the 18th but not at 35-over-par. It won't be as much fun."

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