Two-time major champion Martin Kaymer has launched a blistering attack on the PGA Tour, accusing golf's traditional establishment of treating players like "little kids" in the ongoing bitter divide with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.
The German star, who famously sank the putt that retained the Ryder Cup for Europe in 2012, didn't hold back in his criticism of the American-based tour's leadership during an explosive interview.
'Disgusting' Treatment of Professionals
Kaymer expressed particular outrage at how the PGA Tour has handled player movement between the two tours, describing their approach as fundamentally disrespectful to professional athletes.
"When they try to ban players, to me that's disgusting," the 39-year-old stated. "You're not allowed to make your own decisions as a professional? That's a little weird."
Defending the LIV Golf Move
The former US Open and PGA Championship winner offered a robust defence of his decision to join the controversial breakaway tour, which has divided opinion across the golfing world with its massive financial incentives and 54-hole format.
"I understand that the PGA Tour wants to protect their business, I really do," Kaymer acknowledged. "But the way they try to protect it is, to me, a little unfortunate."
Growing Divide in Professional Golf
Kaymer's comments highlight the deepening rift in professional golf since LIV's emergence in 2022. The tour has attracted several high-profile names with enormous signing fees and record-breaking prize funds, creating a schism that continues to dominate golf discussions.
"They talk about how great the PGA Tour is and how great the players are, but then they treat them like they are little kids," Kaymer added, questioning the tour's contradictory stance.
Future of Golf Hangs in Balance
With merger talks between the PGA Tour and LIV's financial backers, the Saudi Public Investment Fund, progressing slowly, Kaymer's outburst underscores the tension that continues to simmer beneath the surface of professional golf.
The German's passionate defence of player autonomy suggests that healing the sport's divisions will require more than just financial agreements - it will need a fundamental shift in how golf's establishments view and treat their star attractions.
