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LIV Golf

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LIV Golf
Current season, competition or edition:
Current sports event 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series
SportGolf
Founded2021
First season2022
Owner(s)Public Investment Fund
CEOGreg Norman
CountriesBased internationally
TV partner(s)
Official websitewww.livgolf.com Edit this at Wikidata

LIV Golf (/lɪv/) is a professional golf tour financed by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. The name LIV is a reference to the Roman numeral for 54, the score if every hole on a par-72 course were birdied and the number of holes to be played at LIV events.[1] The first LIV Golf Invitational Series event started on 9 June 2022, at the Centurion Club, near London, England.

Organization

Greg Norman, Chief Executive Officer of LIV Golf (2014 image).

The early framework for a competing golf tour to rival the PGA Tour became public in 2019 with announcement of a league to be known as the Premier Golf League.[2][3] The PGA Tour responded with a statement from Commissioner Jay Monahan implying that golfers who choose to play in a new league would no longer be eligible to play in PGA Tour events.[4] Later in 2020, the PGA European Tour and the PGA Tour formed a "strategic alliance" to work together on commercial opportunities, scheduling and prize funds for each tour's membership.[5]

The Premier Golf League held talks with Saudi investors about a financial partnership,[6] but Golf Saudi (a division of the Public Investment Fund) instead funded a newly-formed entity in 2020 which had its own plan to establish a global professional league,[7] often referred to as the "Super Golf League". This entity formally launched in October 2021 as LIV Golf Investments,[3] with former professional golfer Greg Norman named as CEO.[7]

LIV Golf has often been described as the golfing equivalent of the dormant breakaway European Super League in football.[8][9][10][11][12]

In June 2022, it was confirmed that LIV Golf would evolve into a league format in 2023; featuring a 14-event schedule and 48 contracted players.[13]

Player signups

On 1 June 2022, the field was released for the first event to be played at the Centurion Club. The list included several major champions and former world number ones: Dustin Johnson, Sergio García, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood.[14] According to one source, Dustin Johnson – winner of two major championships and a former world number-1 – was paid US$150 million for committing to the LIV series.[15] Having been a member of the PGA Tour with 24 wins and $74 million in earnings since 2008, Johnson announced his resignation from the Tour on 7 June 2022.[16] On the move, Johnson said, "I chose what's best for me and my family."[17] Ian Poulter was allegedly offered £22 million (US$30 million) to join the league.[18] Lee Westwood said that he had signed a non-disclosure agreement relating to the topic.[19]

On 4 June 2022, Kevin Na became the first member of the PGA Tour to resign to participate in LIV Golf, saying, "If I exercise my right to choose where and when I play golf, then I cannot remain a PGA Tour player without facing disciplinary proceedings and legal action from the PGA Tour. ... I hope the current policies change and I'll be able to play on the PGA Tour again."[20] Reigning U.S. Amateur champion James Piot, having turned professional in May 2022, chose to play in the first LIV Golf tournament without having previously joined the PGA Tour.[21]

In a Washington Post interview published on 5 June 2022, Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV Golf, disclosed that Tiger Woods declined to join LIV Golf and turned down a deal that was "mind-blowingly enormous; we're talking about high nine digits."[22][23]

Prior to the second event in Portland, LIV Golf announced further signings, including several players inside the top-50 of the world rankings, and three more major champions: Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed. During that event, it was announced that Paul Casey had been signed and would play in the third event in Bedminster.

Phil Mickelson

In February 2022, comments made by Phil Mickelson, who had been linked with joining LIV Golf, to biographer Alan Shipnuck were published in which he was highly critical of the PGA Tour, called the Saudis "scary motherf–kers to be involved with" and questioned Saudi Arabia's human rights record. He later apologised for any offence caused and said the comments had been taken "out of context".[24] On 6 June 2022, Norman announced that Mickelson would play in the first event in London in June;[25] it was reported that he had signed a contract worth US$200 million by committing to the LIV series.[26]

On 8 June 2022, at the first press conference of the Invitational Series, the various media present frequently broached the topic of the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by the Saudi government in 2018 and the perceived part Phil Mickelson and the other players are taking in "sportswashing" for the Saudi government. Mickelson offered a further apology for his earlier comments by stating "There are a lot of things that I regret and I am sorry for the hurt that it's caused a lot of people. I don't condone human rights violations at all. Nobody here does … throughout the world. And I'm certainly aware of what has happened with Jamal Khashoggi and I think it's terrible."[27] He was then asked by a reporter if he was concerned about being seen as a "tool of sportswashing" and that he could be seen as a "Saudi stooge" and "tarnish" his legacy, to which Mickelson replied "I said earlier, I don't condone human rights violations," Mickelson said. "I don't know how else I can be any more clear. Again, I love this game of golf, I've seen the good that it's done and I see the opportunity for LIV Golf to do a lot of good for the world and I'm excited to be a part of this opportunity."[27]

Mickelson was asked about his previously reported use of the word "leverage" when referring to using the Saudi series against the PGA Tour, and the fact that he's now "representing the very people you were using as leverage." Mickelson replied "I've really enjoyed my time on the PGA Tour, I've had a lot of incredible experiences, some great memories, and I have a lot of strong opinions on what could and should be a lot better (with the Tour). One of the mistakes I've made is voicing those publicly."[27]

Mickelson was then asked to clarify what he was apologizing for—"for speaking the truth about the Saudis or are you sorry for the shameless hypocrisy of taking their money anyway?", to which Mickelson replied "I've always seen the good that the game of golf has done throughout history and I believe that LIV Golf is going to do a lot of good for the game as well and I'm excited about this opportunity and that's why I'm here."[27] 

Mickelson later added "I understand that many people have very strong opinions and many disagree with my decision, and I can empathize with that, but at this time, this is an opportunity that gives me a chance to have the most balance in my life going forward and I think this is going to do a lot of good for the game." When asked by the journalists present if he felt the "good of the game" can "make up" for the killing of Khashoggi, Mickelson replied, "Nobody here condones human rights violations and nobody's trying to make up for anything."[27]

Roster

The following players had either signed a contract with LIV Golf or played in at least one event as of June 2022.[28][29][a]

Reaction

Players

At a press conference in advance of the 2022 Open Championship, when asked about the golfers who have decided to join LIV Golf, Tiger Woods said: "I disagree with it. I think that what they've done is they've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position." He added: "I know what the PGA Tour stands for and what we have done and what the tour has given us, the ability to chase after our careers and to earn what we get and the trophies we have been able to play for and the history that has been a part of this game."[31]

PGA Tour

The PGA Tour had announced that its members who participate in LIV Golf events could be sanctioned for playing in a conflicting event without the Tour's permission,[32] which could result in fines, suspensions, or bans.[20] On 9 June 2022, the PGA Tour announced that its members participating in the first LIV Golf tournament (including current members as well as those who had recently resigned) were no longer eligible to compete in tour events or the Presidents Cup.[33] By contrast, the constitution of the European Tour does not provide for banning players who enter conflicting events.[34]

On 11 July 2022, it was reported that the US Department of Justice was investigating the PGA Tour to determine if they engaged in anticompetitive behavior with LIV Golf.[35]

European Tour

In June 2022, the PGA and European tours announced a strengthening of their "strategic alliance", with the PGA Tour increasing their stake in European Tour Productions to 40% and further changes being made to the European Tour, including increased prize funds and leading players in the DP World Tour Rankings gaining PGA Tour cards for the following season.[36]

The European Tour did not take any disciplinary action until the end of June, when it was announced that LIV Golf participants would be fined and suspended from the European Tour's three PGA Tour co-sanctioned events.[37] Several players, including Ian Poulter, took legal action and the suspensions were put on hold, allowing them to play in the Genesis Scottish Open.[38]

Sportswashing concerns

LIV Golf was criticized by human rights groups as an example of sportswashing by Saudi Arabia. The tournament has claimed that its major objective is to improve professional golf. However, critics said LIV Golf is part of Saudi Arabia’s political strategy of cleansing their global image.[39] In 2020, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (majority owner of LIV Golf) purchased minority stakes in major U.S. companies including Boeing, Facebook and Citigroup.[40] PIF disclosed a $713.7 million stake in Boeing, around $522 million in Citigroup, a $522 million stake in Facebook, a $495.8 million stake in Disney and a $487.6 million stake in Bank of America. [41] PIF owns a 5.7% stake (valued at $500 million) in concert distributor Live Nation.[42] The Public Investment Fund also disclosed a small stake in Berkshire Hathaway.[43] PIF also disclosed an $827.7 million stake in oil company BP.[44] The Public Investment Fund also has a stake of $2.7 billion in Uber.[45]

Greg Norman was also accused of aiding the Saudi government's goals solely for his own financial gain.[46] However, Norman, said he was not being used for sportswashing and that his association with LIV was only because of his passion for the sport.[47] Later, in May 2022, Norman defended the involvement of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with Jamal Khashoggi’s murder, stating, “Look, we've all made mistakes, and you just want to learn from those mistakes and how you can correct them going forward.” His statement drew extensive criticism. Khashoggi’s fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, said it was hurtful that “Jamal's brutal killing is brushed off as a 'mistake' and that we should just move on”.[48] [49]

On June 22, 2022, a group of nearly 2,500 survivors of family members killed or injured during the September 11 attacks wrote an open letter to golfers who have remained loyal to the PGA Tour thanking them for not defecting to LIV Golf. The letter read in part: "Thank you for standing up for decency. Thank you for standing up for the 9/11 Families. Thank you for resisting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to cleanse its reputation by buying off professional athletes... To those of you who have chosen what is right over blood money from a corrupt, destructive sports entity and its Saudi backers, please continue to stand strong."[50]

LIV Golf Invitational Series

2022 season

Main article: 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series

On 17 March 2022, the first eight tournament schedule with prize money of $255 million was announced by Greg Norman. The no cut 54-hole tournaments feature 48 players drafted into 12 four-man teams, with shotgun starts. The first seven events have $20 million purses with an additional $5 million split among the top three teams each week; a team championship concludes the schedule with $30 million on offer to the top three players and an additional $50 million in team prizes.[51][52][53]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ (a): amateur

References

  1. ^ Harig, Bob (31 May 2022). "FAQ of the LIV Golf Invitational Series: Field Taking Shape for First Event". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  2. ^ Beall, Joel (16 February 2022). "The Saudi golf tour: What we know, what we don't and everything else you might not understand about the proposed new league". Golf Digest.
  3. ^ a b Beall, Joel (1 June 2022). "The LIV Golf series: What we know, what we don't, and the massive ramifications of the Saudi-backed league". Golf Digest. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  4. ^ Beall, Joel (31 January 2020). "Why a potential rival league could ultimately benefit the PGA Tour". Golf Digest.
  5. ^ Herrington, Ryan (27 November 2020). "PGA Tour, European Tour announce formation of a strategic alliance". Golf Digest.
  6. ^ Casey, Phil (4 February 2022). "What is driving the Super Golf League?". Yahoo! Sports. PA Media. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  7. ^ a b Bamberger, Michael (29 October 2021). "'This is only the beginning': Greg Norman to helm Saudi-funded golf investment group, reveals plans". Golf.com.
  8. ^ "What is driving the Super Golf League?". Yahoo! Sports. 3 February 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  9. ^ Lees, Joshua (8 June 2022). "Dustin Johnson turns his back on legacy all for the riches of golf's ESL equivalent". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  10. ^ "The Saudi Golf League And Other Breakaway Competitions In Sport". The Sportsman. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  11. ^ Campigotto, Jesse (5 May 2021). "The Super League of golf, explained". CBC Sports. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  12. ^ "Winning in a world of super leagues and constant change". Sports Business Journal. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  13. ^ Rapaport, Dan (30 June 2022). "LIV Golf to transition to 'league' schedule in 2023, with 14 events and 48 contracted players". Golf Digest. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  14. ^ "LIV Golf: Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter to play at inaugural $25m event". BBC Sport. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  15. ^ James Corrigan (31 May 2022). "Dustin Johnson paid £100m to perform late U-turn and join Saudi-backed rebel series". Yahoo Sports. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  16. ^ Van Valkenburg, Kevin (7 June 2022). "Dustin Johnson resigns from PGA Tour to play in rival LIV Golf series". ESPN. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  17. ^ "Dustin Johnson confirms PGA Tour resignation and Ryder Cup ineligibility: 'LIV format is true test'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  18. ^ Corrigan, James (1 February 2022). "Exclusive: Saudi Arabia offers Ian Poulter £22m to ditch Ryder Cup and join rebel golf tour". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  19. ^ "Dustin Johnson coy about Super Golf League offer; Westwood has NDA". Golf Channel. 2 February 2022. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  20. ^ a b Schlabach, Mark (4 June 2022). "Kevin Na resigns from PGA Tour, will participate in LIV Golf series". ESPN.com. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  21. ^ Shedloski, James (5 June 2022). "James Piot just turned pro but has the 2021 U.S. Amateur champ already jeopardized his career by signing with LIV Golf?". Golf Digest. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  22. ^ Babb, Kent (5 June 2022). "The Shark is on the attack again". The Washington Post. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  23. ^ "Report: The 'mind-blowingly enormous' money Tiger Woods declined to join LIV Golf". Golf.com. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  24. ^ "Phil Mickelson apologises for 'reckless' comments over Saudi-backed tour". The Guardian. PA Media. 22 February 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  25. ^ Schlabach, Mark (6 June 2022). "Mickelson added to field for LIV Golf's first event". ESPN. Retrieved 6 June 2022.
  26. ^ Zucker, Joseph. "Phil Mickelson Signs LIV Golf Contract Reportedly Worth Approximately $200M". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  27. ^ a b c d e Cannizzaro, Mark (8 June 2022). "Phil Mickelson grilled as 'Saudi stooge' in awkward LIV Golf press conference". New York Post. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  28. ^ "Player Directory". LIV Golf. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  29. ^ Porter, Kyle (8 June 2022). "Bryson DeChambeau to LIV Golf: Ex-major champion set to join rival league for first U.S. event in Portland". CBS Sports.
  30. ^ a b c Zak, Sean (27 June 2022). "Matthew Wolff and top amateur join LIV Golf ahead of second event". Golf Magazine. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  31. ^ Schlabach, Mark (12 July 2022). "Tiger: LIV players 'turned their back' on PGA Tour". ESPN. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  32. ^ "LIV Golf Invitational: PGA Tour says it will sanction players who compete in London event". BBC Sport. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  33. ^ Schlabach, Mark (9 June 2022). "PGA Tour suspends all players taking part in first LIV Golf tournament". ESPN. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
  34. ^ Huggan, John (8 May 2022). "The tricky situation facing the DP World Tour as it braces for LIV Golf". Golf Digest. Retrieved 5 June 2022.
  35. ^ Radnofsky, Louise; Beaton, Andrew (11 July 2022). "Justice Department Is Investigating PGA Tour Over Potential Antitrust Violations in LIV Golf Battle". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  36. ^ Carter, Iain (28 June 2022). "LIV Golf: DP World & PGA Tours strengthen partnership to combat Saudi-funded series". BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 June 2022.
  37. ^ "DP World Tour: LIV players to be fined and suspended; Players suspended from Scottish Open". Sky Sports. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  38. ^ Carter, Iain (4 July 2022). "Ian Poulter allowed to play Scottish Open after ban lifted - DP World Tour boss 'disappointed'". BBC Sport. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  39. ^ "LIV Golf shines spotlight on 'sportswashing' – the nascent term for an age-old strategy". USA Today. Retrieved 10 June 2022.
  40. ^ "Saudi sovereign fund discloses stakes in Citi, Boeing, Facebook". Cnbc. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  41. ^ "Saudi sovereign fund discloses stakes in Citi, Boeing, Facebook". Cnbc. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  42. ^ "Saudi fund acquires $500m stake in Live Nation – as the company balances 'doing the right thing' with its $3.8bn cash pot". 27 April 2020.
  43. ^ "Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund Buys Stakes in Facebook, Boeing, Cisco Systems". The Wall Street Journal. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  44. ^ "Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund invests billions of dollars in Boeing, Disney and Facebook shares". The National. 16 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  45. ^ "Saudi Wealth Fund Cuts U.S. Stock Holdings, Holds On to Uber". BNN Bloomberg. 17 November 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  46. ^ "The stench of David Beckham, Greg Norman profiting off Middle East money". New York Post. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
  47. ^ "Disrupting golf: the Saudi-backed plan to shake up the sport". The Financial Times. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  48. ^ "Greg Norman refers to Jamal Khashoggi killing as 'mistake,' drawing backlash, LIV Golf clarification". ESPN. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  49. ^ "Greg Norman criticized for downplaying Saudis' killing of Jamal Khashoggi". The Washington Post. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
  50. ^ "9/11 group thanks golfers for rejecting Saudis". ABC News. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  51. ^ DiMeglio, Steve (16 March 2022). "Greg Norman announces Saudi Arabia-backed 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series will start in June, feature $255 million in prize money". Golfweek. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  52. ^ Beall, Joel; Rapaport, Dan (16 March 2022). "Saudi-backed LIV Golf announces eight-event, $255 million series that will visit United States". Golf Digest. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  53. ^ Beall, Joel (25 April 2022). "Trump Doral to host $50 million LIV Golf series finale". Golf Digest. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
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