Lee Trevino recently shared his thoughts on the ongoing divide in professional golf, offering a frank assessment during a Golf Channel segment at The Players Championship. The six-time major winner didn’t hold back, giving viewers a clear and honest take on the state of the game.
Trevino’s insights covered several key issues:
On PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan
Trevino praised Monahan’s leadership through the turbulent past two years.
“Let me tell you something about Monahan,” Trevino said. “What he’s dealt with over the last two years is unbelievable. As a former Marine guard, I respect how he’s handled the challenges. Things are still unsettled, but I saw a different Monahan last night — he looked confident and in control. If I had to pick someone to go into battle with, I’d take Monahan.”
On Golf’s Past Split
Trevino reflected on golf’s previous major split in 1968, when the “Tournament Players Division” separated from the PGA of America and hired Joe Dey as its first commissioner — a pivotal moment that led to the formation of the modern PGA Tour.
“Things were going back and forth back then,” Trevino recalled. “Thank God they settled it.”
On Golf’s Current Divide
When asked how dangerous the current split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is, Trevino acknowledged the challenges but remained optimistic.
“Golf is in a great place right now,” he said. “Attendance is up, ratings are up, and fans are loving it. Players are moving faster, and the broadcasts are doing a great job covering the action.”
Trevino also called for faster decision-making on the course.
“If we can get the caddies and players to make decisions quicker, the game will be even better,” he said. “We don’t want to have to rely on the clock — that’s not the solution.”
Trevino’s straightforward analysis reflects his deep understanding of the game and his hope for a unified future in professional golf.
