The golf world was rocked by the news of the PGA Tour‘s surprising merger with bitter rival LIV Golf, leaving many players in a state of disbelief. This comes after numerous players turned down enormous paydays to reject the Saudi-backed breakaway series.
According to reports, the merger will bring an end to the contentious split in the sport and put an end to pending litigation between the two tours. PGA commissioner Jay Monahan referred to it as a ‘momentous day’ for the game in a letter to Tour members, although the news caught many players off guard.
The emergence of the LIV circuit had caused division among professional golfers, with several big names accepting lucrative contracts and significant prize funds. However, the association with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and ongoing legal battles with the PGA Tour made the breakaway series highly controversial.
Many stars rejected to join LIV Golf
Despite tempting offers, household names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy decided to remain on the PGA Tour, disregarding the substantial packages presented by LIV. Woods, in particular, declined an astounding offer ranging from $700 to $800 million.
McIlroy, too, was approached by LIV but rejected an offer reportedly worth around $500 million. Other PGA members, including Jon Rahm, Will Zalatoris, Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Cameron Young, and Justin Thomas, also turned down LIV Golf’s advances.
While some players resisted the allure of LIV, others embraced the opportunity. Phil Mickelson eagerly accepted $200 million, while Dustin Johnson secured a $150 million payday. Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Brooks Koepka each pocketed $100 million.
Criticism has surrounded LIV Golf due to its ties with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, with accusations of “sportswashing” the country’s human rights record. Defectors faced allegations of greed for joining the breakaway series.
The consequences for players who switched from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf remain uncertain. Some may be subject to fines as the situation unfolds. Source: marca.com
