Matt Fitzpatrick, all 150 pounds of him soaking wet, with his oversized braces, greasy hair, and flabby beta body, pretends to be a tough guy in this interview with Barstool Sports, the kings of bro content.
The one-time major winner, who’s never won a regular PGA Tour event, is asked a hypothetical by the podcast host: what would happen if, at the end of their LIV Golf contracts, the star players want back in… “how are you guys going to feel about that?” (For the record no LIV Golf player has ever even suggested they want back on the PGA.)
“I would not let them back,” said Fitzpatrick, the one-time major champion, referencing icons such as 47-time time tour winner, and six-time major champion, Phil Mickelson, and 24-time winner, and longtime world No. 1, Dustin Johnson.
The surprised host, says, “At all!?”
The former DP World Tour player, who left the European tour for more money on the U.S. PGA Tour, replies, “No.”
The host, “Lifetime ban!?”
Fitzpatrick, nervously repeating himself, says, “Yeah. You made… you made your choice… you made your choice… in my opinion… you made your choice… to jump ship because you think there’s a better product out there so that’s why you’ve gone. I don’t think you should be allowed back. Yeah.”
Fitzpatrick adds: “My thing is – you know – you wanted to go play somewhere for more money, less events for all the reasons they give (and for all the reasons Fitzpatrick left the DP World Tour for the PGA Tour). So why should you be allowed to come back and take someone else’s spot who’s committed to the PGA Tour? That would be my argument, you know.”
The host adds: “With $50 million in your pocket.”
Fitzpatrick concurs, “Exactly (thanks for exclamation point)! So, no, my – I would say no!”
“I would not let them back.” Fitz didn’t hold back on the pod today. Wants a lifetime ban for the LIV guys. pic.twitter.com/bROTJFlMlC
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) March 9, 2023
As one twitter reply said, “What players in LIV Golf have brought up going back to the PGAT? This is just a straw man argument that some golf “journalists” bring up to draw attention away from elevated events and PGAT poor handling/PR in recent weeks. Somehow the same few are always involved.”
What players in @livgolf_league have brought up going back to the PGAT? This is just a straw man argument that some golf “journalists” bring up to draw attention away from elevated events and PGAT poor handling/PR in recent weeks. Somehow the same few are always involved. ?
— Adam Høpp (@adamhopp) March 10, 2023
Update: Fitzpatrick finished his opening round at the Players Championship with two bogeys and a double on his final five holes (Nos. 14-18) to sign for a 4-over par 76.
