MONEY TALKS FOR LIV GOLF

By NEVILLE IDOUR

Since my piece in the June issue the Saudi government backed LIV Golf Series has flexed it’s money muscles and reeled in some big fish to play in the first event at the Centurion Club in London this week for US$25million. The prizemoney alone was not enticing enough for the very big names so out came the real money. Dustin Johnson who only recently said he would stay with the PGA Tour found the new offer to switch was too good to refuse.

The field of 48 includes Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer, Charles Schwartzel, Branden Grace, Talor Gooch, Matt Jones, Kevin Na and Graeme McDowell from the PGA Tour plus several DP World Tour players.

The money used to lure the star names is ridiculous and reveals why some have backtracked on their previous stand. Johnson now 38 was reportedly offered $125 million to make the move while Tiger Woods apparently turned down in the high nine digits to play. Jack Nicklaus turned down $100 million to be CEO but said he had been one of the people who started the PGA Tour and would remain loyal to it.

Jack Nicklaus turned down $100 million to be CEO but said he had been one of the people who started the PGA Tour and would remain loyal to it. credit Getty images.

However in more sensational revelations Bryson De Chambeau and Patrick Reed have just joined LIV Golf and will play in the second event. We can also expect Rickie Fowler to be officially added to the list in the next day or two.

Reports indicate in the region of $500 million was offered to lure Mickelson , Johnson and De Chambeau. With such money on offer is it that surprising that some players will look at the future and take the money and run. McDowell was quite open in saying “ The money is too good to turn down when you are making a business decision.”

Many professional golfers simply want to be free agents to pursue their work and the feeling out there is this is only the beginning of a huge shake up for professional golf on the world stage. It will be no surprise if court proceedings are on the way to challenge what may amount to restraint of trade.