Veteran golfer Lee Westwood has reiterated his refusal to pay the £850,000 fines levied by the European Tour following his decision to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
Speaking ahead of the US Senior Open, the former world number one, now 51, made clear his stance on the penalties, which have accumulated since he left traditional golf circuits in 2022.
Westwood was among the initial players to defect to the controversial LIV Golf series, a move that has cost him substantial fines from the European Tour. Despite this, he has consistently stated his intention not to pay, maintaining his position as he prepared for the US Senior Open at Newport Country Club.
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The golfer, who became eligible for the senior circuit after turning 50 last year, was initially barred from participating due to PGA Tour regulations.
These rules require a one-year absence from LIV Golf events before an athlete can compete in PGA Tour or PGA Tour Champions competitions. Despite this setback, Westwood continues to play in LIV events and has qualified for the US Senior Open due to his involvement in the Ryder Cup last year.
When questioned about the fines, Westwood remained unwavering, emphasizing the importance of the Champions Tour and the longstanding relationships he and his peers have built with fans over decades.
“We’ll have to find a way around that,” he said. “It’s disappointing they can’t resolve it. The Champions Tour is significant because fans have watched us for the last 30 to 40 years, building relationships with us as players and people.”
Co-captain of LIV’s Majesticks team alongside Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson, Westwood has yet to see his team secure a win this season. Despite the ongoing disputes between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, he emphasized that the real losers are the fans if the sport’s top players are prevented from competing against each other.
Westwood highlighted the entertainment aspect of golf:
“At the end of the day, we’re in the entertainment industry. If the best players at every level don’t come together, the only losers are the fans. We need to find a way for the best players to play against each other more often.”
As Westwood competes in the US Senior Open, he remains resolute in his stance against paying the fines. His performance in the tournament, where he tied for fifth place in the first round, could underscore the tension between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, as the controversy over player fines continues to simmer.
