Lucas Glover, a prominent voice in the world of golf, has been using his SiriusXM show to criticize PGA Tour leadership and its direction. Alongside guest Johnson Wagner, Glover has expressed concerns that recent decisions within the Tour are disproportionately benefiting top players, potentially limiting opportunities for others to advance.
During an episode of "The Lucas Glover Show," Glover didn’t hold back in his criticism. He questioned the purpose of having a board or a Player Advisory Council (PAC) if their decisions only cater to the top-tier golfers. He believes that the Tour’s current trajectory harms the lower-tier players, who are being excluded from opportunities to climb the ranks. According to Glover, the practice of top players securing their positions while pulling the ladder up behind them does not foster a fair or competitive environment.
Johnson Wagner shared Glover's frustration, arguing that the changes are robbing the sport of meaningful stories. He emphasized that golf’s appeal lies not just in the victories of the elite players, but in the success stories of lesser-known players. Wagner pointed to the excitement of seeing players like Jake Knapp or Aldrich Potgieter win smaller events, which brings fresh storylines and characters to the game. He expressed his concerns that if the sport revolves only around a handful of top players, the dynamic of the game would become monotonous.
The two also discussed Wagner's recent comments about Rory McIlroy, which led to McIlroy reaching out to him. Wagner explained that McIlroy had emailed him after the comments were made, though Wagner noted he hadn’t spoken directly with the golfer. He acknowledged that some of his remarks were driven by emotion, but he stood by the substance of his opinions.
Glover and Wagner's frank discussion highlights a growing divide between the Tour’s leadership and its lower-tier players, as they continue to call for a more inclusive approach to the game of golf.