Key figure in golf war delivers parting dagger to LIV's Ryder Cup legends

Departing DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley says it was 'just business' to impose harsh penalties on Ryder Cup legends Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia for joining LIV Golf. 

Pelley made the declaration in a recent interview with the Times of London, suggesting the end of golf's civil war is inevitable. 

He stopped short of suggesting when that date could arrive, but the Canadian thinks it will happen in six months, a year, two years or even in 10 years. 

Over the course of the interview Pelley:

• Insisted he had no regrets over his tenure
• Claimed under his leadership the DP World Tour was 'rebuilt'
• He would have loved to have seen the job through but the allure of leading Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment was too much of a draw
• Rory McIlroy was the player he 'leaned on' the most over the last two years
• He's proud the Tour came out of the pandemic in a strong economic position
• References to the 'Malta meeting' irritate him - "The rumours almost became factual"
• Said the criticism of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is 'unfounded'
• He's convinced the major championship questions will go away after the game is unified
• The personal highlight of his tenure was seeing his son celebrate the 2018 Ryder Cup with England's Tommy Fleetwood

One of the biggest talking points of the last two years was the way the European-based circuit handled LIV Golf. 

Pelley sought to ban and fine the players who wanted to play in LIV events without tournament releases. 

The decision sparked a protracted legal battle of which the Tour was ultimately victorious. 

Sergio Garcia has reportedly refused to pay his fines and owes £1,000,000 if he wants to make a return to the Tour. 

The aforementioned European Ryder Cup stalwarts have made no secret of their disdain for their from the Tour where they have made their names. 

Poulter, for example, appears to have taken particular displeasure with Pelley. 

In early January, Poulter wrote on Instagram: "Being two faced is a terrible trait. 

"I'd be embarrassed having to change my story now and come out and try and look smart. 

"I'm happy to sit down and have it out. I will happily say it as it is. Enough of the bull----." 

Although he didn't name Pelley, it was widely accepted the Postman's remarks were aimed at the chief executive. 

Poulter has since stated his Ryder Cup days are behind him unless changes are made. He also went nuclear on another topic. 

Asked about the likes of Poulter, Pelley told the paper: 

He said he currently has no relationship with the players, adding: "It's just business, it's not a popularity contest.

"Some players on this side think we weren't hard enough on them."

You can read the full interview here. 

What do you make of Pelley's remarks? What will his legacy be? 

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