Scottie Scheffler goes after (!) LIV players ahead of Players defence

World number one Scottie Scheffler aimed a dig at the LIV Golf stars ahead of his Players defence. 

Scheffler said if golf fans are annoyed the field at TPC Sawgrass isn't as strong as it could be then the finger of blame can only be pointed in one direction. 

"If the fans are upset, then look at the guys that left," the 27-year-old told reporters. 

"We had a tour, we were all together and the people that left are no longer here. At the end of the day, that's where the splintering comes from."

He added: "As far as our tour goes, like I said, we're doing our best to create the best product for the fans, and that's really where we're at."

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Whilst the field here this week is strong there is no denying the 50th Players could've been a mouth-watering prospect with a few more LIV additions. 

Past champion Cameron Smith isn't in the field. Nor is Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson or Bryson DeChambeau. 

You could argue the PGA Tour fans would love to see Phil Mickelson take on the iconic Stadium Course once more. 

Scheffler continued: "If guys want to go take the money and leave, then that's their decision.

"I'm not going to sit here and tell guys not to take hundreds of millions of dollars.

"If that's what they think is best for their life, then go do it. I'm not going to sit here and force guys to stay on our tour.

"But at the end of the day, this is where I want to be, and we're continuing to grow what we're doing, and what they're doing is not really a concern to me."

Scheffler was speaking to the media shortly after PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan addressed reporters for the first time in more than six months, 

Monahan stressed negotiations with LIV's financiers are 'accelerating' and he has met - and will continue -  to meet the rival league's chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan over the next few weeks. 

Despite refusing to go into details, Monahan said he believes it's in the best interest of everyone to strike a deal with the PIF. 

Monahan also admitted he knows golf fans are tired of hearing about the conflict at the top of the men's game. 

He also appeared to indicate some player directors have called for his resignation. 

And he's not sure if he has the full support of the tour's membership. 

"You know, that's a question that you'll have to ask for players," Monahan said. 

"I can't generalize as it relates to players, but clearly given the responsibility I've been given by both boards, I have the support of our board, and I am the right person to lead us forward.

"I know that. I believe that in my heart, and I'm determined to do exactly that."

"Bomb and gouge doesn't really work out here"

No player has ever defended a title at the Players. 

Scheffler was asked why. He believes there is a simple reason behind it. 

"I just think it's a golf course where you don't see a lot of repeat winners in general," he said, 

"There's not a guy that you have seen win on this golf course a bunch.

"I think it's just the nature of the course, it doesn't really suit one type of player.

"It really is a Pete Dye, just kind of genius design, where you have to hit all different kinds of shots, and it tests you in a lot of different ways.

"That's why I think it's one of the best places we play on Tour, just because it really doesn't suit one type of player.

"Bomb and gouge doesn't really work out here, you kind of got to plot your way around.

"But then you even have the shorter hitters that plot it around that can struggle here, because you got to hit it exactly where you're looking or you're going to be punished pretty severely out here."

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