07 March 2024 , 19:14
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Rickie Fowler did not hold back when discussing the reasoning behind his decision to reject LIV Golf, after the PGA Tour star addressed the topic during season two of Netflix's Full Swing.
The behind-the-scenes docuseries returned for a second season earlier this week, with a large chunk of episode two dedicated to Fowler as he chased down a maiden major title at the 2023 U.S. Open. As part of his segment, the American also discussed his links to LIV.
Fowler's name was one linked to the Saudi-backed league on numerous occasions, especially on the back of Jon Rahm's decision to make the mega-money move last December.
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Fowler however opted to remain with the Tour, and revealed his decision was down to prioritising playing against the best players in the world, rather than earning more money. "[Joining LIV] wasn't the best choice for me," the six-time PGA Tour winner told the Netflix cameras.
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"I'm not out there playing for a pay check, I'm out there playing to compete with the best players in the world and I believe the Tour is the best place to be. I'd like to see it continue to be like that." This is not the first time Fowler has sounded off a potential move to join Greg Norman and co.
Fowler addressed the links earlier this year, and put down the efforts of the likes of Patrick Cantlay, Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth in helping the Tour grow as a key reason behind his decision to stay put. "These guys are pouring a lot of time and effort into it," he told Golfweek.
Rickie Fowler remained loyal to the PGA Tour (Brennan Asplen/Getty Images)"I was on the PAC [Player Advisory Council] last year but have tried to stay out of the way because the guys that are in there, I trust. With Jordan, Cantlay, Tiger and the other guys, I’ve just trusted that we’re all going to end up in a good spot and I have zero plans to go anywhere.”
Fowler has never been openly critical over the LIV setup despite his Tour loyalties, unlike fellow star Rory McIlroy. The four-time major winner announced himself as somewhat of a spokesperson for the PGA Tour in the wake of the arrival of LIV, repeatedly taking aim at the breakaway league.
In recent months though McIlroy has softened his LIV Golf stance, even claiming at the recent Pebble Beach Pro-Am that those who defected to the breakaway league should be welcomed back to the Tour without punishment. Fowler however is not in agreement. "[I’m] probably not in the same spot as Rory," Fowler said last month.
"Maybe we started in a similar area, but I think there’s been a little roller-coaster ride on his part.As far as decisions to go elsewhere and just welcome back, I don’t think it’s a direct road [back to the Tour]. I mean, they made decisions and there has to be something for it. Whether how small or big, that’s not up to me."