Day believes that the PGA’s introduction of eight signature events, with only the best players competing for $20 million in prize money, has effectively made the U.S. tour two-tiered.
“If you can understand it, there are currently two tours in one tour,” Day said before appearing at this week’s Farmers Insurance Open in California.
“The best players play in the most important events, but there is also another side to this phenomenon.
“I think it just happened because of the way… LIV was created.
“It’s unfortunate, but ultimately this is what we’re dealing with right now.”
Day is seeking a third victory at the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines in San Diego in a field that includes just six of the top 25 golfers in the world. The tournament is not a signature event.
“It’s difficult, these two tours are difficult,” said the former world No. 1.
“The only way to get the best players in the world is to dramatically shorten the schedule.
“I think that’s basically what they’re doing on tour now: There’s Signature events, major championships, and then… these bigger events that offer three-year exemptions instead of the typical two-year exemptions.”
Day wasn’t sure about the long-term plans of the PGA Tour hierarchy.
“I wish I could give you the correct answer, but I just don’t know where they even get it,” he said.
“I just usually keep my head down, keep my mouth shut and try to play good golf because it’s hard enough for me to keep the ball in the middle of the fairway.
“I try to tread lightly because I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes.”
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