Backed by money from Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf Series is making the headlines these days after former world no.1 player Dustin Johnson and 6 times major championship winner Phil Mickelson decided to quit the PGA Tour. Surprisingly, 17 major golfers decided to quit PGA for LIV Golf. Bryson DeChambeau has also agreed to join the tournament for reportedly $100m.
Renowned players Patrick Reed and Pat Perez are also reportedly joining the LIV league. Reed has not commented anything regarding his intentions and expectations after joining LIV Golf.
Interestingly, PGA Tour Chairman has mentioned clearly in his memo that every player leaving the PGA Tour will face an indefinite ban from all their championships, including the Korn Ferry and Champions Tours. The ban covers all the players who would, in the future, decide to leave PGA for LIV.
Reports suggest Dustin Johnson will supposedly be paid $125m for his stint with LIV Golf whilst Phil Mickelson will receive $160m.
Johnson made his resignation from the PGA Tour at the LIV Golf press conference at Centurion Club. This also means that viewers will no longer see him competing for the Ryder Cup. His counterpart and fellow golfer - Mickelson, on the other hand, did not resign his membership with the PGA Tour. However, has now been suspended after having joined the LIV Golf Series.
He was quoted saying “I am thrilled, to begin with LIV Golf and I appreciate everyone involved,” the 51-year-old wrote. “I also intend to play the Majors. I fully realize and respect some may disagree with this decision and have strong opinions and I empathize with that. I have a renewed spirit and excitement for the game.”
Apart from Mickelson and Johnson, Lee Westwood, Louis Oosthuizen, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, Martin Kaymer, Bernd Wiesberger, Branden Grace, and Sam Horsfield will also be playing at the LIV Golf.