06 March 2023 , 11:22
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The PGA Tour has been slammed by English golfer Eddie Pepperell after announcing big changes to its elevated events.
Amid the ongoing threat posed by the LIV Golf series, who continue to raid the status quo by attempting to sign players for extortionate sums, the PGA have introduced a number of no-cut, limited-field events to its 2024 schedule. The changes mirror the format of the Saudi-backed series, who responded by tweeting "imitation is the greatest form of flattery" from its official Twitter account.
The changes have been mocked by LIV rebels Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, while Pick Mickleson has also chimed in. And now Pepperell, who plays on the DP World Tour and has been a vociferous critic of the LIV concept, has voiced his discontent.
The 32-year-old took to Twitter to label the development "one of the worst things to happen to the game in the last 12 months." And he cited examples as to why tournaments without a cut can decrease motivation.
"In mid 2018, I bogeyed the last hole in back to back events in Germany and Ireland to M/C by one shot," he recalled. "It killed me. I went home, thought about s***, and then came second at the Scottish Open and (nearly) won the Open at Carnoustie with a hangover.
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"A year on in 2019, thanks in part to those two good performances in Scotland, I recall playing poorly in both the WGC’s in Mexico and Memphis, and not caring about anything during the final round. Missing cuts is essential for growth as a professional golfer."
Pepperell is currently No 32 in the OGWR (PA Wire)Pepperell, now ranked No 32 in the OGWR, also argued the changes favoured the top players. "We could argue that the top guys who will be playing the elevated events in 2024 have already done all their 'growing’," he continued. "But you’d be surprised how much it means to make a cut when your backs up against the wall and you’re struggling. It’s a mini win, and it breeds great things."
Undeniably, the changes have divided opinion, with PGA Tour star Max Homa offering a vastly alternate view to Pepperell's rant. Arguing the new regulations were't just about money, he claims the alterations will be a more attractive proposition for viewers.
"I love the new changes," he said. "The product is important. I think it's easy to frame these changes as a way to put more money in the top players' pockets. But it has been made to make it easier and more fun for the fans."