Tiger Woods Criticizes LIV Golf Format; PGA Tour’s New CEO Shares an Optimistic Perspective

The sport of golf, steeped in tradition and customs, is potentially heading toward modernization. Tiger Woods has voiced his criticism of LIV Golf, expressing doubts about whether it aligns with the sport’s core values. “Some of what I’ve seen in LIV… I just couldn’t understand what was happening,” Woods remarked, highlighting his reservations about the tour’s approach.

Different Views from Tiger Woods and the PGA Tour Leadership

While Woods remains skeptical about LIV Golf, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp offers a more optimistic outlook. In an interview, Rolapp emphasized the strength of the current PGA Tour and acknowledged the importance of tradition, but also showed openness to innovation.

“I believe the PGA Tour product is strong as it is. Viewership numbers have grown significantly this year,”

Statistics support Rolapp’s confidence, with PGA Tour events such as the Mexico Open and Houston Open averaging 2.2 million viewers, a 10% increase compared to last year. Overall ratings, excluding weather-affected events, have risen by 18%, indicating a growing audience and increasing enthusiasm for the sport.

“One reason I took this position was to study fan engagement. We’re pulling in three to four million viewers—people are voting with their remotes, and the product is resonating,”

This surge in viewership rivals other major sports leagues like Major League Baseball and the NHL, especially on Sundays—the key day for golf tournaments. Such growth suggests that PGA Tour events are becoming major entertainment fixtures, steadily gaining ground in a competitive sports market.

While golf hasn’t yet become a sport of the masses, its expanding audience demonstrates its increasing influence and appeal. This momentum bodes well for both longtime fans and newcomers, hinting at even greater reach in the future.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods continues to recover from a persistent injury. Despite being sidelined, he remains deeply involved in the sport—often attending tournaments with his son, offering advice, and passing on his knowledge. Woods’s legacy now extends beyond records, as he mentors the next generation, guiding his son on the path to success on the greens.