Ben Jared
By Joel Beall
Xander Schauffele is the latest big name to throw his weight behind the PGA Tour.
Schauffele, winner of the Olympic gold medal last summer, released a statement to media outlets Wednesday afternoon that was also posted on his social accounts, affirming his commitment to tour amid speculation regarding a Saudi-backed breakaway circuit.
“At no point have I taken any action or made statements to suggest that I would entertain the SGL as an alternative to the PGA Tour. Thus it seemed unnecessary to make a statement until now,” Schauffele said. “My team had been instructed to do due diligence on this matter, thus we have met and discussed with representatives of the SGL/LIV, only to come to the conclusion that the SGL isn’t close to a finished product or business model.
“Recent articles containing speculative statements as to where my loyalties fall now indeed require a response. My allegiance to the PGA Tour, my belief in positive changes at the verge of being implemented at the PGA Tour, in particular when it comes to shared intellectual property rights, size of purses and overall transparency, never wavered.”
Schauffele, 28, had competed in the Saudi International earlier this month. The four-time tour winner is currently No. 8 in the World Ranking.
Schauffele’s commitment comes as LIV Golf Investments CEO Greg Norman implores agents and players to challenge the PGA Tour’s ability to punish or ban those who jump to his rival organization. Schauffele joins Jon Rahm, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau in support of the tour.
