PGA Tour standout Justin Thomas holds the view that LIV Golf’s off-season recruitment efforts may not have been as successful as portrayed by some.
Justin Thomas remains unconvinced about the success of LIV Golf’s recruitment drive during the off-season, despite the addition of players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. LIV concluded their second season last October and has since brought in notable names. The roster for the 2024 season is expected to include DP World Tour player of the year Adrian Meronk and the Australian Lucas Herbert
While opinions may vary, there’s no denying that securing Jon Rahm was a significant achievement for the breakaway tour. Rahm’s signing created concern among established golf circuits, emphasizing the need for alignment in their commercial interests. The anticipation for multiple star players to join LIV Golf was heightened by claims made four months ago by Phil Mickelson, who serves as the poster boy for LIV. Mickelson asserted that several names would make the leap to LIV Golf. Greg Norman, the chief executive of LIV, also supported Mickelson’s claim, further fueling expectations of a significant influx of star players to the breakaway golf tour.Justin Thomas expressed his skepticism about LIV Golf’s recruitment success, stating to reporters before the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, “They haven’t gotten anything close to what he’s kind of said.” Thomas went on to highlight that Phil Mickelson’s earlier claims suggested the signing of 10 or 15 people over the past few months, which, in Thomas’s view, hasn’t materialized as expected.
Justin Thomas has shifted his focus from the anticipation of new signings to the performance of existing LIV Golf players, particularly in major championships. Thomas believes that the more significant storyline revolves around whether LIV players can remain competitive and succeed in major tournaments.
He stated, “I think at the end of the day, the
guys that are still, if you want to call it, kind of in their prime or can still play their best golf, I would say that their priorities are still set on the majors versus their season out there.” Thomas believes that the true narrative will be shaped by how well these players perform in major championships and whether they can secure victories in these prestigious events.
Justin Thomas, at 30 year
s old, shared his perspective on Tyrrell Hatton’s decision to join LIV Golf. It has been alleged that Hatton, the Englishman and World No. 16, signed a contract worth £50 million. Rory McIlroy, who previously expressed skepticism about LIV players returning to the PGA Tour, has now changed his stance, and he has no reservations about Hatton’s choice to accept a significant financial offer.
Thomas expressed his feelings, stating, “I’m not over it; it’s just kind of is what it is. I’ve definitely found that out over this whole process that people are going to think about it differently than others.” While Thomas may disagree with some decisions, he acknowledges that individuals make choices based on what they believe is best for them.
He continued, “If that’s what Tyrrell thinks is best for him, then that’s what he’s got to do. Obviously, I’m bummed, and I wish he wasn’t, but it’s not like I’m going to call him and give him some spiel about how he shouldn’t.” Thomas expressed his hope that Hatton has done thorough research and feels confident that joining LIV Golf is the best decision for him.