The ongoing civil war in the golf industry is causing a decline in fan interest and viewership numbers. Players like Matt Fitzpatrick are feeling frustrated with the continued division in the sport and the talks of bringing the game back together. Fitzpatrick, who is defending his title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, expressed his lack of interest in trying to unify the game, stating that it is a waste of time to try and change the situation.
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has become a meeting point for players and officials from different golf leagues, including the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour. Notable figures such as PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, LIV Golf’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings are present at the event, along with top players like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka. Despite the gathering of players and officials, Fitzpatrick does not see a significant effort being made to bridge the gap between the two sides of the sport.
Fitzpatrick acknowledges the tensions between players who have chosen to play in different leagues, but he has shifted his perspective on the matter. He no longer sees the point in getting involved in the politics of the sport and just wants to focus on his own game. He believes that it is important to concentrate on playing the best golf possible without getting caught up in the controversies surrounding the sport.
While Fitzpatrick remains indifferent to the ongoing rift in the golf industry, he acknowledges that some players may not be happy with the current state of affairs. Initially against players participating in the LIV Golf league, Fitzpatrick has come to understand their decisions and no longer holds any animosity towards them. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s own career and not getting distracted by external conflicts.
Despite the lack of interest in golf’s civil war, Fitzpatrick continues to compete in tournaments like the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. He shot a respectable 4-under 68 on the first day of the event and is tied for 49th place. As he moves on to play at Kingsbarns and the Old Course in the following days, Fitzpatrick remains focused on his game and aims to perform to the best of his abilities without being drawn into the political drama surrounding the sport.
