Legendary golfer Ernie Els, a 19-time PGA Tour winner, didn't hold back his criticism of the recent deal between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which backs LIV Golf. Following his first round at The Open Championship, Els expressed his disapproval, stating the tour is in "absolute shambles."

The 53-year-old Els believes that if this agreement had occurred during his prime, Commissioner Jay Monahan wouldn't be in his current position. He emphasized the lack of communication with the players, stating, "Talk to us, tell us what you’re going to do, plan on negotiating. Don’t just go rogue… and think we’re all going to say yes."

Els argued that the board needs to change, highlighting the impact of the deal on players' careers and the professional game. He also criticized LIV Golf's team format, referring to it as "circus golf," and contrasting it with the individual focus of major championships.

He expressed his pride in the traditional style of golf played by himself, Tiger Woods, and others, emphasizing the importance of individual achievement and competition in major tournaments. Els lamented the lack of player input in the deal, stating that Monahan, as commissioner, should have been leading the tour, not board members making deals "off the cuff."

Els suggested that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf should have communicated from the start to avoid the current situation. He expressed concern for the future of the game, given the years he and other players dedicated to building the tour. He concluded by criticizing the unexpected nature of the agreement, referring to it as "bulls---."

The agreement will resolve ongoing legal disputes between the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour. Players who left their original tours will have the opportunity to reapply for membership after the 2023 season.