PLAYA DEL CAMEN – Ever since the PGA Tour vs. the LIV Golf fight for professional golf supremacy began there has been a big question: Can the two entities coexist?
One course believes it can bridge the difference between them.
Golfweek reported in November that after 16 years of hosting a PGA Tour tournament on Mexico’s Rivera Maya. Mayakoba’s El Camaleon Golf Club would be hosting LIV Golf’s 2023 season’s first event. This week is February 24-26. Borja Escalada is the CEO of RLH Properties, which owns the Mayakoba property. He believes that his resort can be that bridge.
“We share a common value, which is the development of a sport we all love. Escalada said that it would be an honor for them to host both events. “That’s impossible because of the positions of each event.”
Hosting both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour is more of a pipe dream than a possibility at this stage.
Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner, has made his position clear regarding those who do business in LIV after ongoing legal battles in U.S. Federal Court. In 2024, the Tour’s World Wide Technology Championship in Mayakoba won by Russel Henley. However, LIV Golf will return as part of a multiyear contract.
“They know that this is their home. Escalada stated that they are grateful for the World Wide Technology Championship and would love to do it again. “Unfortunately, both events may not be compatible today. But maybe that will change in the future.”
Escalada stated that Mayakoba was interested LIV because of a few reasons, including the team concept as well as LIV’s golf But Louder slogan. LIV Golf Commissioner Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV Golf, has strong ties with the resort. Norman is also the El Camaleon course designer.
Escalada stated that the critical issue is whether the proper things are being done for the sport’s development. Is there anything we can do to continue developing the sport while also opening a large window to the outside world to showcase what Mexico and Mayakoba have to offer?”
Escalada believes Mayakoba has the best hotels, residences, and sustainability in the world. He also wanted a top-tier tournament. The Mayakoba tournament was not one of the 12 events that the Tour had announced as part of its huge schedule change for 2023.
Escalada explained that “Obviously losing the FedEx Cup Points from the fall season and having the new concept of the Postseason, being part, let’s just say, preseason or qualifier to the rest of the year, obviously changes the tournament’s status.”
He said, “We have had very fluid conversations.” “We shared with (the Tour) our concerns about the change… and also explained to them that this is part of our DNA. We want to be pioneers in exploring and trying new things.
“(The Tour was) very respectful of our decision. Escalada stated that she believes that this has been a consistent way that both organizations have treated each other. “We respect their decisions. We don’t like all of them and we don’t agree with some of them. But we are super respectful.”
Escalada feels Mayakoba owes the Tour a lot of gratitude and credit for being the first course to host a PGA Tour tournament outside of the United States. Escalada reciprocates his appreciation for the Tour, who helped “bring Mayakoba into the world.”
Escalada said, “So we will never be bitter, we will always remain the home of the PGA Tour” and will continue to be a host for any event that is interested.” “We want Mexico to continue to host the highest quality events possible, as that is the chance to make the world a better place.”
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