Facts: The Swedes’ start times in The Players
14.51, Swedish time: David Lingmerth, playing with Aaron Baddeley (Australia) and Ben Martin (USA).
19.40, Swedish time: Alex Norén, plays with Thomas Detry (Belgium) and Max McGreevy (USA).
Now begins the PGA Tour’s flagship competition, The Players, at the historic TPC Sawgrass in Florida. Often referred to as “the fifth major” due to its strong starting field and storied status, the event is one of the top treats on the golf calendar.
But this year’s Players, where the blue and yellow colors are defended by Alex Norén and David Lingmerth, differ from previous editions. Reigning champion Cameron Smith is not in place as the Australian has switched to the LIV tour and is therefore not allowed to play. Even former winners such as Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson are missing for the same reason.
Do the defectors regret the move?
A debate rages over whether players who moved to the Saudi-backed newcomer should be allowed back on the PGA Tour if they regretted the move.
2022 US Open winner Matt Fitzpatrick hopes not.
— My personal opinion is that you can’t have your cake and eat it too. I wouldn’t welcome back LIV players, I just wouldn’t, he says Sky Sports.
— They could turn it around and offer me to play on the LIV tour, but I wouldn’t want to do that. I believe it would be very unfair if the PGA Tour reinstated these players and I would be shocked if they did.
“Extremely frustrated”
World number seven Max Homa has mixed feelings about bringing back the LIV players.
— My selfish, petty side would be extremely frustrated because I haven’t been annoyed that someone has left. It’s your own choice to leave and if you want to do that I’m totally fine with that.
The American then adds:
— The players who have left are good for golf. Masters, interesting people. If I could put my selfish side aside, I would realize that getting them back would be good for golf as a sport.