The breakaway golf league, LIV Golf, continues to attract top PGA Tour stars with its mega-money contracts, and Masters champion Jon Rahm is the latest player linked to a move to the Saudi-backed setup.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) has emerged as a major player in the world of sports, and its foray into professional golf has caused ripples throughout the industry. Backed by the deep pockets of PIF, the breakaway league LIV Golf has quickly risen to prominence, posing a threat to the established PGA Tour. Despite the PGA Tour’s efforts to impede LIV’s progress, the allure of lucrative signing bonuses has enticed several big-name golfers to join the Saudi-backed league. The latest player rumored to be considering a move is Jon Rahm, who could potentially become LIV Golf’s highest earner with a reported signing bonus of £475 million ($600m).
Phil Mickelson: The Poster Boy of LIV Golf
Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, was one of LIV Golf’s biggest coups. Even before the league’s formation, Mickelson expressed his support for the Saudi-funded series in an interview with Fire Pit Collective. Despite acknowledging concerns about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, Mickelson committed to joining LIV Golf and reportedly received a staggering £159 million ($200m) signing fee.
Cam Smith: The In-Form Golfer
Australian golfer Cam Smith, fresh off his Open Championship victory, made the decision to join LIV Golf. Smith admitted that financial considerations played a role in his move, and reports suggest that he was offered a signing bonus of £113 million ($143m).
Dustin Johnson: From Commitment to Change
Former Masters champion Dustin Johnson initially pledged his loyalty to the PGA Tour, dismissing the possibility of joining LIV Golf. However, just four months later, Johnson surprised the golfing world by signing with LIV Golf for a reported signing bonus of £100 million ($125m).
Brooks Koepka: A Change of Heart
Brooks Koepka, known for his rivalry with Bryson DeChambeau, initially stood firm in his commitment to the PGA Tour when rumors of a Saudi golf league emerged. However, Koepka ultimately joined LIV Golf, earning a reported £79 million ($100m) signing bonus.
Bryson DeChambeau: Rivalry Turned Alliance
Bryson DeChambeau, the former U.S. Open champion, followed in Koepka’s footsteps and joined LIV Golf. Despite their rivalry on the PGA Tour, the two players found common ground in their decision to join the Saudi-backed league. DeChambeau is said to have received a signing bonus of £79 million ($100m).
Conclusion: The rise of LIV Golf, fueled by the financial backing of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, has disrupted the golfing landscape. The allure of mega-money contracts has enticed top PGA Tour stars to join the breakaway league, with Jon Rahm being the latest player linked to a move. As the battle between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour intensifies, the sport’s landscape continues to evolve, leaving fans and industry insiders pondering the future of professional golf.
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