Lee Westwood says LIV Golf offers a tougher test than other tours in a new podcast interview.
The former world number one appears on the latest episode of Golf is Ruining My Life’s Talk Birdie To Me series, sharing his views on the format and future of the LIV tour during a 30-minute conversation.
Speaking to hosts Tom Green and Tom Price, Lee describes LIV as “a breath of fresh air” and highlights the atmosphere around events, suggesting the experience differs significantly from traditional golf tournaments.
He says the shorter 54-hole format, used before this year’s move to 72 holes, changed the pace of competition, explaining “the 54 holes felt like a sprint” compared to established tours.
Lee also addresses criticism around the entertainment focus of LIV, stating “don’t kid yourselves, everyone out there is ultra-competitive and the standard’s really high”, adding that he believes it is “tougher to win on LIV than it is on any other tour”.
The comments come at a time when the future of LIV remains uncertain, following reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund could reconsider its financial backing, alongside recent remarks from Bryson DeChambeau about his commitment to the league.
In the interview, Lee suggests the format has helped bring new audiences into the sport, saying it appeals to younger fans and offers a more accessible environment for families attending events.
He also reflects on his decision to join LIV in 2022, describing it as straightforward at the time, and adds that he felt golf needed change, even if the impact has gone further than expected.
The Talk Birdie To Me series is part of the Golf Is Ruining My Life brand, produced in partnership with Golf Now, and releases new episodes every two weeks across major podcast platforms.
The latest episode is available on podcast platforms and YouTube.
