Patrick Cantlay claims battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour will be a ‘blip on the radar’

Patrick Cantlay believes the controversial ongoing battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour will look like a ‘blip on the radar’ in 10 years’ time as he admits he doesn’t get as emotional about the situation as some of his fellow professionals .

Gulf’s civil war has left the sport in rift with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy seemingly leading the PGA Tour loyalists against the Saudi rebels with sharp remarks from both sides.

However, Cantlay suggested that the tense relationship between the warring camps will settle down as he believes an intervention could be staged in the future to bring the two sides back together.

The Saudi-backed breakout has lured away top players who have caused rifts in the sport

“It’s been so controversial and it feels like it’s going to continue to be controversial,” Cantlay said at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of this week’s Presidents Cup.

“I’d be surprised if there isn’t a concerted intervention because I don’t know of any sport with a legitimate broken sport.

“So I feel like 10 years from now, everyone will be like, ‘oh yeah, that LIV thing, I remember that’ and we’ll be playing at least some of the same events as each other.

“I think it’s funny that people are so excited about it because it might not make me as emotional as everyone seems to be.

PGA Tour loyalists, such as Rory McIlroy, have taken a firm stance against the Rebel series

‘I could be wrong. I’m not saying I know there’ll be a meeting. I’m just saying that when I look at all the other sports, the best players play together.

“We had the American Football League, which disappeared, nobody continued to play in the American Football League. There have been other things in baseball.

“I just have a feeling that when you look back on it, people will be surprised to hear, ‘Oh man, it was really controversial’ because it’s going to feel like a blip on the radar once it’s settled. Right now, it’s very unknown.’

Since the startup parked its tanks on the lawn of the PGA Tour, several big names such as Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Kopeka and Cameron Smith have defected, keeping the rumor mill spinning about who could be the next star to disembark.

Smith, in particular, had long been linked with a move to LIV before eventually joining for a reported $100 million signing fee.

Cameron Smith (right) was long associated with LIV before finally joining for $100 million

However, many reports are false about potential defectors, with former world No. 1 Jon Rahm and Collin Morikawa having to stop rumors.

Cantlay stressed the importance of not getting caught up in speculation and staying accurate.

He said: ‘I think it’s important that everyone is informed. For everyone this is their business they run so it is very important to be accurate and up to date and not get caught up in rumours.

“But at least they have to understand what the decision is. Even if the decision to stay in the Tour is a non-decision, it is a decision.”

Jon Rahm quickly stopped rumors linking him to the rebellious LIV series on social media

The Spaniard took to Twitter to inform the account that it and the source were wrong

When later asked how he is dealing with the incessant rumours, the American replied, “Just don’t believe it, wait for us to get something that is fact.

“I mean, you hear all the time, ‘Oh, there’s a new top 10 player coming up.’ We’ve been hearing things like that for a year or more. So, until it actually happens, I don’t value it.’

Cantlay will face friend Xander Schauffele in the first game of the foursome on Thursday on day one of the Presidents Cup in Quail Hollow.

The pair, who went 2-0-0 at last year’s Ryder Cup, will try to take the first point of the event for Davis Love III and Team USA.