To state Lucas Glover is not a fan of the PGA Tour's Signature Events would be an understatement.
Glover, who won the 2009 U.S. Open, sounded off on the existing structure of the trip in a current interview with Adam Schupak of Golfweek
“I do not like the concept at all,” Glover stated of Signature Events such as the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which includes minimal fields and raised bags.
“It's self-centered, and it's a cash grab.”
The PGA Tour developed Signature Events in reaction to LIV Golf poaching a lot of its leading stars. LIV prides itself on playing 54 holes with 48-to-54-man fields. Those competitions have $20 million bags and are played throughout the world.
“Nothing that has actually occurred in the last 2 years in golf, in my viewpoint, that will assist the video game,” Glover stated.
Lucas Glover responds to a putt on the 6th hole throughout the 2nd round of the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Picture by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images
“I've yet to find out what's so bad out here that we needed to do all the important things we've done.”
In 2015, the Arnold Palmer Invitational included 120 gamers, as Kurt Kitayama warded off the similarity Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth down the stretch to win by one.
This year, just 69 gamers remain in the field, with the leading 50 and ties– in addition to anybody within 10 shots of the lead– making it.
“Why do the signature occasions have [a maximum of] 80 gamers, and just 50 make it? Our most significant signature occasion next week is 144 gamers with a complete cut. The signature occasion,” Glover stated, referencing The PLAYERS Championship.
“It's really astonishing that our most significant signature occasion has the most gamers and the most significant cut.”
The PLAYERS, held at TPC Sawgrass every year, is the flagship occasion of the PGA Tour. It regularly has the greatest field in golf and has actually typically been called the “Fifth significant.”
The PGA Tour has actually shied away from following the structure of The PLAYERS for its Signature Events. Rather, it has actually followed the LIV design, granting leading gamers leading dollars.
With the trip presently working out with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf's recipient, Glover sees the composing on the wall of what expert golf will look like.
“I believe we're going to wind up with 12 to 16 occasions worldwide with the leading gamers for the most cash, and anywhere that cash originates from– who understands whether it's personal equity or PIF– plainly, that's where it is headed,” Glover stated.
Lucas Glover strikes a shot throughout the 2nd round of the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational. Picture by David Cannon/Getty Images
“A few of [PGA Tour] occasions are most likely going to suit that. You're taking a look at 8 PGA Tour/DP World Tour-style occasions worldwide,
