Faldo Slams LIV Golf and Calls Out Norman; Ryder Cup Participation for Players Unlikely
Sir Nick Faldo has voiced his opinion on LIV Golf and those who have defected to the controversial series, claiming that the players should never be allowed to participate in the Ryder Cup again. The three-time Masters champion and three-time Open champion believes that LIV Golf does nothing in terms of growing the sport and is purely antagonistic to the existing tours.[0]
Faldo also spoke to LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman.[0] In the interview, the Englishman strongly criticized the Aussie for “wrecked” his legacy by deciding to lead the contentious tour.[1] Faldo referred to Norman as “a charismatic, exciting golfer,” but stated that he had made the wrong decision.[1]
When it comes to Norman, Faldo is not shy about expressing his opinion.[2] At the peak of their respective careers, the two were fierce adversaries. Even though Norman spent more time ranked as the World No 1 than Faldo, the Englishman concluded his remarkable career with six major titles compared to Norman's two.[3]
Faldo also questioned what the point of LIV Golf is and argued that the series is a ‘closed shop'.[4] He believes that the LIV players have burned their bridges with the Ryder Cup and shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near the biennial event.[0]
It appears improbable that the individuals from LIV Golf will represent Team Europe this September in Rome, since they are presently suspended from the PGA tour and the outcome of their hearing with the DP World Tour next month will determine their standing.[5] It seems highly unlikely that anyone will be playing in Rome this year.[2] Golfers who are members of the LIV will have a hard time getting enough points to qualify for Luke Donald's team, since they are prohibited from competing in the PGA Tour, and their standing on the DP World Tour is contingent upon a hearing that is scheduled for next month.[2]
Sir Nick Faldo has made it clear that he believes those involved in LIV Golf should never be allowed to play in the Ryder Cup ever again, calling the series a ‘closed shop'. The former playing opponent of Faldo, Greg Norman, who is now the CEO of LIV Golf, was harshly critical of how Norman had impacted his own reputation.[4]
The Ryder Cup, to be held at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy, is slated to begin on September 29, 2023.[6]
0. “LIV Golfers Should Be Banned From The Ryder Cup – Nick Faldo” The Sports Daily, 26 Jan. 2023, https://thesportsdaily.com/news/liv-golfers-should-be-banned-from-competing-in-the-ryder-cup-sir-nick-faldo/
1. ““It’s a closed shop” – Nick Faldo calls LIV Golf a ‘meaningless’ tour” Sportskeeda, 27 Jan. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-it-s-closed-shop-nick-faldo-calls-liv-golf-meaningless-tour
2. “Ryder Cup: Sir Nick Faldo says LIV Golf players should be banned from team competition” Sky Sports, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/12795513/ryder-cup-sir-nick-faldo-says-liv-golf-players-should-be-banned-from-team-competition
3. “Nick Faldo launches scathing attack on Greg Norman and “meaningless” LIV Golf” The Mirror, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/golf/liv-golf-nick-faldo-norman-29055279
4. “Sir Nick Faldo insists Europeans who defected to LIV Golf should NEVER play in the Ryder Cup again” Daily Mail, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-11678853/Sir-Nick-Faldo-insists-Europeans-defected-LIV-Golf-NEVER-play-Ryder-Cup-again.html
5. “Sir Nick Faldo blasts 'embarrassing' LIV Golf as he calls for Ryder Cup exile” National Club Golfer, 26 Jan. 2023, https://www.nationalclubgolfer.com/news/nick-faldo-calls-for-liv-golf-ryder-cup-ban/
6. “”It's a rival tour” – Nick Faldo says LIV golfers are ‘done' playing the Ryder Cup” Sportskeeda, 27 Jan. 2023, https://www.sportskeeda.com/golf/news-it-s-rival-tour-nick-faldo-says-liv-golfers-done-playing-ryder-cup