Updated list of LIV Golfers and an overview of why they made the jump from PGA Tour
After two stressful weeks of golf before and during the LIV Golf London Invitational, the U.S. Open at Brookline gave golf fans a sense of normalcy, but now things are getting weird again. The LIV Golf tour has become a competitor to the PGA Tour, which is based in the U.S. Several big names have crossed the pond to join the new golf league.
On the one hand, the U.S. Open Championship showed how famous major tournaments could be. But LIV Golf’s colossal budget is bringing in golfers who could change how professional golf is run for years to come. The LIV Golf Invitational Series will also keep going. It will make its first stop in the U.S. at the end of June. This could be an excellent way to see if people in the U.S. are interested in the new company.
Still, the players on the LIV Golfers tour have to deal with moral and ethical questions about their participation because of claims that the Saudi government has broken people’s rights.
The Quitting Players
Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Rickie Fowler, and other big names who used to play on the PGA Tour are now on a golf circuit backed by Saudi that is making waves around the world. Jay Monahan, who is in charge of the PGA Tour, didn’t take any easy steps after the players quit. He said in June that all current and future players who join the LIV Golf Series would be suspended. That means Mickelson, Johnson, and other golfers won’t be able to play in PGA Tour tournaments.
Why do golfers on the PGA Tour go to LIV Golf?
MONEY!
The controversy comes from the fact that the Public Investment Fund of the Saudi Arabian government backs and pays for LIV Golf. Over the years, the country has been criticized for how it treats human rights, like when it killed the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Some call the money “blood money,” and others say that by supporting LIV Golf, the Saudi government is “sports washing” its image. However, no matter where the money comes from, LIV gives its players contracts, which is something the PGA Tour doesn’t do.
What’s going on?
Phil Mickelson was the first and most famous player to join the LIV Golf Tour. He was reportedly offered $200 million to make the switch. Spotrac says that Mickelson has made $94 million on the course during his time on the PGA Tour. Dustin Johnson, who used to be the best golfer in the world, also left LIV Golf. He had made $74,276,710 on the course throughout his career. Johnson signed a four-year deal with LIV Golf that is said to be worth $125 million.
Not only do former PGA players get a lot of money, but they also have a less busy schedule and get a bigger check for winning some tournaments. For example, Charl Schwartzel won $4 million at the first LIV Golf event in London. This is more than any other major tournament winner has ever won.
LIV Golf players
Former PGA Tour players Mickelson, Johnson, DeChambeau, and Koepka aren’t the only ones who have joined LIV Golf. Abraham Ancer, Kevin Na, Matt Jones, Ian Poulter, and many others made a move.