Patrick Cantlay has moved to shut down LIV Golf rumours - but also appeared to leave the door open to joining the contentious Saudi-backed venture in the future.
Cantlay and US Ryder Cup teammate Xander Schauffele have been heavily linked with a LIV switch as the disruptive series aims to build momentum in 2023. A FedEx Cup champion in 2021, Cantlay has been touted as an exciting target for LIV CEO Greg Norman ahead of an expanded 14-event calendar.
And Cantlay's assertion last year that he was a 'curious observer' of LIV developments stoked the fire over a possible move to the mega-money enterprise. But, 'as of now', the world no.4 has dismissed claims that he could turn his back on the PGA Tour to become the latest marquee signing for Norman's breakaway circuit.
“I think it’s because I haven’t been too vocal one way or the other,” Cantlay said. “So I think that’s probably where it is. Guys, for the most part, seem like they’re pretty polarised on this issue, and I view it as it’s been a competition for top talent, like any other business.
“But I have no plans to do that as of now, which has been my stance for, you know, basically since the whole time.”
Cantlay was speaking ahead of the Sentry Tournament of Champions, an event given elevated status with a higher prize fund by the PGA Tour as a direct response to the threat of the LIV Golf millions.
And the 30-year-old American believes the rival invitational series is providing healthy competition that can only enhance entertainment for fans of the sport.
“I think that it’s been interesting how much it’s changed golf,” he added. “As in, like, everyone’s trying to innovate and make golf better all of a sudden.
“I think that will be a massive benefit for the viewer because I think now more than ever competition is making people evolve and making people grow and think outside the box.
“So I think it’s been really good and will be good for professional golf in the long run. But it’s been such a polarising issue that it’s made people, you know, feel emotional about something that has been the same for such a long time.”
