Jordan Spieth on radical changes? "I'd be lying to deny LIV Golf influence"

Jordan Spieth says he'd be lying to deny the influence of the LIV Golf League triggered substantial changes to the PGA Tour.  

In a largely unexpected move on 1 March, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced a revamp of the "can't miss" events outside the majors. 

The shake-up to the elevated events will see the field sizes reduced to 70-78 players and the absence of a 36-hole cut. 

The response from the LIV Golf players has been strong given the irony. 

Phil Mickelson's social media activity has been wild. Ian Poulter got all philosophical. 

One of LIV's harshest critics, Rory McIlroy, has defended the changes and insisted those quick to judge are acting on limited information. 

That being said, McIlroy, 33, did concede the lucrative breakaway tour had exposed some of the PGA Tour's weaknesses. 

Spieth was asked if PGA Tour players should thank the LIV players and if these changes would've otherwise happened. 

 

 

 

 

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After carding an opening round of 4-under 68 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, Spieth said:

Spieth continued:

What are the changes? 

The PGA Tour had already introduced 12 elevated events for 2023. The prize purses average $20m. 

Of course, the huge increase to purses were aimed at trying to keep the game's biggest stars happy. 

The four major championships, plus the Players Championship, will remain full-field events with up to 156 players and cuts at the halfway stage. 

The changes for 2024 will see elevated events have fields of 70-78 players. 

That field will be made up of 50 players from the previous year's FedEx Cup standings and the top-10 players from the latest points list. 

Players will not have to compete in a mandatory number of tournaments. 

Five players will be able to qualify for the elevated events through non-designated events.

Next page: PGA Tour schedule 2023