Wu-Tang Clan put it best: Cash rules everything around me.
LIV Golf Tour has emerged as a competitor to the U.S.-based PGA Tour. Many big names have jumped the pond to join this startup league.
Bryson DeChambeau and Rickie Fowler, as well as Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, are now members of the Saudi-backed circuit. It’s making waves in Asia (and soon in America). The key word is “Formerly”.
Jay Monahan, PGA Tour commissioner, did not mince words about the defections. He announced in June that all current and future players who sign up for the LIV Golf Series would be suspended. This means Johnson, Mickelson and other players won’t be able to participate in PGA Tour events.
Here are the reasons why many of the best players in the game are moving to the new circuit.
Why is LIV Golf being chosen by PGA Tour golfers?
One word: Money. A few more words: Money, cash, moolah green, dough, shekels.
LIV Golf is funded and backed by the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund. This has led to the controversy. Over the years, criticisms have been levelled at the nation for its treatment of human rights, including the assassination attempt on Jamal Khashoggi. Some call the money “blood money”, while others accuse Saudi Arabia of “sportswashing its image” through its support of LIV Golf.
LIV offers something the PGA Tour doesn’t, which is contracts for its players, regardless of where the money comes from.
Phil Mickelson was the first and most prominent player to join LIV Golf Tour. He was offered $200 million. Mickelson earned $94million on the course in his PGA Tour career.
Former world No. 1 golfer Dustin Johnson was another LIV Golf defector. LIV Golf also defected to Dustin Johnson, a former world No. 1 golfer who had earned $74,276,710 at the course during his career. Johnson was signed by LIV Golf to a four year contract that is worth $125 million.
Aside from the large sums of money that are paid to ex-PGA players, some players receive a more relaxed schedule and a larger paycheck for winning tournaments. Charl Schwartzel won the inaugural LIV Golf tournament in London, which was worth $4 million. This is more than any other major tournament winner.
Phil Mickelson joined LIV Golf Tour
Apart from the huge sum of money, Lefty feels that the leap to the new tour represents a “fresh start”.
Mickelson explained why he decided to quit the PGA Tour in May:
Mickelson supported the new league in February and said that it was a “once-in-a lifetime opportunity to reshape the PGA Tour’s operations.”
Mickelson stated that they were able to use manipulative, coercive and strong-arm tactics to win because the players had no recourse. Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, is a nice guy, but unless you have leverage, he will not do what’s right. We finally have that leverage thanks to the Saudi money. Although I don’t think I want [LIV Golf] success, the mere idea of it is allowing me to do things with the [PGA] Tour.”
According to Mickelson, the deal for the new tour is worth $200 Million.
Dustin Johnson joined the LIV Golf tour
Although Dustin Johnson’s involvement in LIV Golf was unexpected, the money and contract he received speak to his decision. Johnson signed a four year deal that was worth $125 million.
After a heart attack, he decided to join LIV Golf.
Johnson stated that Johnson’s initial statement was “at that time, I was fully committed to playing the PGA Tour.” Johnson said, “I am very grateful for the PGA Tour for everything it has done for me. For the past 15 years, I have done very well. This was the best thing for me and my family. It’s exciting and new.
Why Bryson de Chambeau joined LIV Golf tour
LIV Golf had DeChambeau (28 years old) as one of their first targets for the tour. He defected to LIV Golf in June after he declined initial offers to join the tour.
DeChambeau was not the one who made the decision, it was business.
“There were a lot financial issues and also a lot time involved.”
Greg Norman, LIV Golf’s CEO and Commissioner, commented on the membership.
Brooks Koepka joined LIV Golf tour
After the U.S. Open, Koepka is now a LIV Golf heavy hitter.
Four-time major winner avoided LIV Golf questions during media availability days leading to the major. He declined questions about joining the tour and chose to dodge them.
LIV officially welcomed Koepka into its ranks three days after the U.S. Open was over and a day before Koepka pulled out of this week’s PGA Tour event, Connecticut.
LIV Golf’s less hectic schedule is likely part of Koepka’s appeal, who has his own schedule on PGA Tour.
