CBS golf commentator was involved in a heated exchange of words over a wild rumor about high-profile PGA Tour players.
CBS golf commentator Colt Knost has blasted an unsubstantiated rumor that high-profile PGA Tour players are skipping tournaments until a deal with LIV Golf’s backers is confirmed.
ProGolfCritic suggested something fishy was going on after Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa withdrew from the Farmers Insurance Open field.
Multiple winner Mackenzie Hughes and rising star Nicolai Hojgaard have also withdrawn.
“I had heard unsubstantiated rumors that some top players were going to hold out of tournaments until this deal got done,” PGC posted on X, referring to the PGA’s framework agreement with the Saudi PIF.
The peace deal was announced on 6 June 2023 but no agreement has come to pass between the two tours.
He added: “So now Scottie, Rory, Xander & Morikawa have either not played/WD’d from 2025 PGAT events.
“They are currently 1-2-3-4 in OWGR. Purely coincidental I’m sure.”
Schauffele’s team have cited a ‘medical issue’ as the reason why he decided to skip the PGA Tour event at Torrey Pines.
The two-time major champion will also miss this week’s TGL event.
Morikawa is yet to give a reason for his withdrawal.
Knost pointed out to PGC that Schauffele and Morikawa both teed it up at The Sentry and the Sony Open.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy begins his campaigns in the Middle East.
He has not played in Hawaii since 2019.
Scheffler is also injured but has been spotted recently in the gym.
In other words, he believes there is no substance to the claim.
Then all hell broke loose. See back and forth below:
It’s a rumor. And when things don’t add up, people have questions.
Why did they say Scottie would be back by now? Did they lie about it? Is there a setback?
Problem with the @PGATOUR is they’ve lied about so much there are questions about EVERYTHING they say. That’s the issue!— Pro Golf Critic (@ProGolfCritic) January 19, 2025
And Tony Finau was going to LIV twice! 🤷♂️
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) January 19, 2025
I don’t think I ever said he was going 100%. But I know he’s had deep discussions, it made sense to go; and he lied about that in the media. He can decide what he wants, but don’t lie about it. Hence my issue. But clearly you’re comfortable with lying!
— Pro Golf Critic (@ProGolfCritic) January 19, 2025
The tweet I responded to of yours was filled with lies. I know it might ruin your Sunday but it’s ok to admit when you’re wrong
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) January 19, 2025
Then why aren’t Xander & Collin not playing when they committed to playing previously and played in Maui (as you mentioned) and played TGL more recently? End the speculation! Tell the TOUR to be transparent and not lie. But you can’t bc it’s not possible for them to do that.
— Pro Golf Critic (@ProGolfCritic) January 19, 2025
They don’t have to give you a reason why they are or aren’t playing. If they want to release that then they can! Their lives aren’t an open book. Not sure why you would think that it should be
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) January 19, 2025
Article originally appeared on: Golfmagic.com