Tag: LIV Golf

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Top Tours

Jon Rahm: “They just Make something Up”

Jon Rahm (Image: Getty)
Jon Rahm (Image: Getty)

Just under a week ago, US golf journalist Jaime Diaz fueled the rumor mill surrounding Jon Rahm. In a lengthy Golf Digest article, Diaz cited an alleged statement from an unnamed “veteran tour insider” who said of Rahm: “I am 100 percent positive that if Jon could give the money back to the Saudis and come back to the tour, he couldn’t write the check fast enough. Now there are only four times a year when he’s playing that anybody is remotely interested. He thought his stature in the game was secure no matter where he was playing, and it was a bad miscalculation”. During a rain delay at the LIV event at Greenbrier last weekend, Rahm was confronted with the statement and asked for a reaction, according to the X account “Pro Golf Critic”. A video recording of Rahm’s reaction does not exist, so it is not 100 percent verifiable whether he really reacted as follows.

Jon Rahm: “Couldn’t be further from the truth”

The Spaniard responded: “Yeah that’s why I can’t stop smiling out here. They just make something up.[The claim of the insider] Couldn’t be further from the truth”. The two-time major champion’s answer – if it was really given – can now be believed or not. To realize that the alleged claim of the “veteran tour insider” may not be completely out of thin air, you only need to recall a few of Jon Rahm’s statements during 2024.

Here are three statements made by the 29-year-old during the season: “Not being there was difficult. It’s a decision I made, and I’m comfortable with it. […] But I hope I can come back”. That is a statement made by Rahm at the beginning of 2024, when talking about the three PGA Tour tournaments he was not allowed to defend due to his defection to LIV. With regard to a change in the LIV format from 54- to 72-hole tournaments, he made the following comments in April: “The closer we can get LIV to do some of these things, the better”. In the run-up to the 2024 PGA Championship, the former Masters champion caused a stir when he said the following: “I’m still a PGA Tour member, whether suspended or not & I still want to support the PGA Tour”.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf Stars Face Luggage Mishap in Houston

Three thirds of Majestic GC arrived in Houston only to find their clubs missing. (Photos: X@MajesticksGC)

Several LIV Golf players encountered an unexpected problem upon arriving in Houston for the upcoming tournament: their luggage and golf clubs were left behind in London. Among those affected were Majesticks GC co-captains Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Legion XIII player Tyrrell Hatton.

Lost Clubs Cause Stir at LIV Golf Houston

Upon landing in Houston, Ian Poulter captured the group’s reactions in a humorous video posted on Majesticks GC’s official X account. The video shows Poulter asking his fellow golfers about their missing luggage, receiving similar frustrated and sarcastic responses from each.

Henrik Stenson, one of the Majesticks GC co-captains, appeared baffled by the situation but responded light-heartedly when Poulter asked, “H, where’s your clubs?” Stenson replied, “Um… hopefully Heathrow.” This incident occurred as the players prepared for LIV Golf Houston, the first event after a mid-season break.

Players Maintain Good Spirits Despite Misfortune

Lee Westwood was seen outside the airport, where Poulter questioned him about his missing case. Westwood’s response, “Heathrow. Where am I? Houston,” highlighted the frustrating situation. Despite the inconvenience, the players managed to stay in good spirits, laughing and joking about the mishap.

Tyrrell Hatton, another player whose clubs were left behind, was equally unamused yet maintained a sense of humor. When Poulter asked Hatton about his clubs and suitcase, Hatton’s blunt responses included expletives, underlining his frustration but also showcasing his ability to laugh off the misfortune.

Ian Poulter was particularly vocal about his disappointment. Mid-flight, he received an email from British Airways informing him that his bag had not traveled with him. Poulter shared his frustration on Instagram, criticizing the airline for the mishap, especially given that he had checked in well in advance.

Implications for LIV Golf Houston

The timing of this incident was far from ideal. With the tournament set to begin on Friday, the players are left in a precarious position. The three Majesticks GC players, in particular, are under pressure t as their team was currently ranked 12th out of 13.

Despite the setback, the players maintained a good sense of humor and were able to laugh, but the situation undoubtedly added stress as they prepared for the tournament.

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

For Tyrrell Hatton, who has had a successful season and is currently 11th in the individual standings, the loss of his clubs is an unwelcome distraction. However, with several days left before the tournament, there is hope that the players will be reunited with their equipment in time.

The LIV Golf Houston event is crucial, not only for individual standings but also for team rankings. The incident with the missing clubs has added an unexpected twist to the lead-up to the tournament.

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Professionals

Forbes 2024: LIV Deal Boosts Jon Rahm to Second Place

Behind Cristiano Ronaldo and ahead of Lionel Messi, Jon Rahm ranks second on the Forbes list. (Photos: Getty)
Behind Cristiano Ronaldo and ahead of Lionel Messi, Jon Rahm ranks second on the Forbes list. (Photos: Getty)

A few days ago, the magazine ‘Forbes’ published its annually updated list of the world’s best-paid athletes. While Portugal’s soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo defends his place in the sun, Jon Rahm makes the biggest leap in the entire ranking, taking second place. The Spaniard has not only pushed Lionel Messi into third place, but is also among the top 3 earners in the sporting world as a golfer for the first time since Tiger Woods in 2013 (1st). The salaries from LIV Golf make it possible.

Forbes List 2024: Rahm, McIlroy & Co. – The five golfers of the ranking

Between May 2023 and May 2024, Forbes examined the total income of the world’s highest-paid athletes, as it does every year. The list of the 50 top earners also includes five golfers, among whom a recent LIV star plays a special role. Jon Rahm was not even among the top 50 in the previous year’s list, but is in second place this year with a total income of 218 million US dollars (201 million euros). The Spaniard owes this primarily to his lucrative LIV deal: According to Forbes, a full 198 million dollars of this comes from his income/contracts on the golf course, while ‘only’ 20 million dollars was earned off the golf course, for example through advertising revenue. This means that only Cristiano Ronaldo earned more in the last twelve months, defending his place from the previous year with a total income of 260 million dollars (240 million euros).

Jon Rahm and the second highest-paid golfer on the list are mainly separated by soccer and basketball stars such as Lionel Messi (3rd), LeBron James (4th), Kylian Mbappé (6th) and Stephen Curry (9th). Finally, Rory McIlroy, who was recently replaced by Xander Schauffele in second place in the world golf rankings after a long time, follows in 19th place. The Northern Irishman has a total income of 80.1 million dollars (73.8 million euros) and is therefore four places ahead of Tiger Woods with a total income of 67.2 million dollars (61.9 million euros). It is particularly striking that the 48-year-old alone earned 55 million dollars outside the golf course, for example through advertising revenue. This puts Woods in sixth place in this category. World number one and reigning Masters champion Scottie Scheffler is in 29th place with 59.2 million dollars (54.6 million euros). The last golfer on the list is Cameron Smith, like Jon Rahm a player on the LIV Tour, with 48 million dollars (44.2 million euros).

The impact of LIV Golf changes the Forbes list

In 2013, Tiger Woods in first place (78.1 million dollars) was the last golfer to occupy one of the top three places on the Forbes list; between 2018 and 2022, only once did a golfer occupy a place among the ten highest-paid athletes in the world (2020: Tiger Woods in eighth place). This changed abruptly with the salaries of LIV Golf. In 2023, the two LIV golfers Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson were ranked sixth and seventh respectively. This year, Jon Rahm provided the biggest jump of the year with a second place finish and the first top three finish by a golfer since 2013. Rahm, who was not on the list last year, caused an uproar in the golf world when he signed with LIV Golf in December last year. While the details of the contract have not been released, it has already been reported to be at least $300 million over several years. We can certainly expect to see more LIV Golfers among the top earners in the sporting world in the future.

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Uncategorized

WITB: Brooks Koepka with Srixon and Cleveland to Fourth LIV title

Brooks Koepka's WITB for the 2024 season. (Image: Getty)
Brooks Koepka's WITB for the 2024 season. (Image: Getty)

The PGA Championship winner in 2023 switched to Srixon/Cleveland as his sponsor two years ago and has been playing with clubs and tour bags from the Japanese brand ever since. However, Brooks Koepka first had to look for the right partner. In addition to various companies, Brooks Koepka also tried out different models from the manufacturers. Now he’s winning again on the LIV Golf Tour and we take a look inside the tour winner’s bag.

WITB: The golf equipment of Brooks Koepka 2024

For his driver, he opted for the ZX5 LS Mk II model from Srixon instead of the “pro model” ZX7. With a weight in the back part of the sole, the ZX5 helps to achieve a straighter swing path and slightly more launch height compared to the ZX7, while the low-spin version also helps to achieve a penetrating ball flight and therefore more length, at least for the pros on the tours. For the fairway wood, Koepka looks back to the 2017 model from TaylorMade. The M series was the predecessor of the current Stealth models and seems to have taken a liking to the American. The M2 fairway wood with 16.5 degrees makes it into his set up. The fairway wood is complemented by the Nike Vapor Pro Driving Iron. The sporting goods manufacturer’s iron, which was released back in 2015, has a centre of gravity directly in the sweet spot and, despite the now nine-year-old technology, seems to be a bank in the setup of the renewed LIV winner.

For his irons, he then opts again for Srixon and the blades from the latest 2023 series. The ZX7 Mk II irons impress with their slim design and offer Koepka the possibility of different flight curves and the best possible control over ball flight and spin.

He also relies on his equipment supplier for the wedges and opts for the sister company Cleveland. The RTX Zipcore wedges are also in his bag for the 2023 season and seem to have won his trust around the green. In addition to a putter from Scottie Cameron in the Newport 2 Tour version, the Srixon Z-Star Diamond golf balls make it into Koepka’s bag.

Brooks Koepka WITB 2024

Driver: Srixon ZX5 LS Mk II (10.5°)

3-wood: TaylorMade M2 Tour HL (16.5°)

Driving iron: Nike Vapor Pro (3-iron)

Irons: Srixon ZX7 Mk II (4-9)

Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore Tour Rack (46°) 

Cleveland RTX6 ZipCore Tour Rack (52° mid, 56° mid, 60° low)

Putter: Scotty Cameron Teryllium TNP2

Ball: Srixon Z-Star Diamond

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Live

Watch: LIV Tour Highlights from Round 1 of the Singapore Tournament

The first round highlights from the LIV Golf event in Singapore. (Image: Getty)
The first round highlights from the LIV Golf event in Singapore. (Image: Getty)

The LIV Tour sees golf pros compete across the globe. Currently, the action is centered in Sentosa, Singapore at the renowned Sentosa Golf Club for the Singapore event. This tour promises a price money pool of $25,000,000.

At the close of Round 1, the Leaderboard reads with Colombian star, Sebastian Muñoz in the first position with a total score of -6. Tied in second, with a total score of -5, is a pack comprised of Thomas Pieters from Belgium, Americans Brooks Koepka and Cameron Tringale, along with Abraham Ancer from Mexico.

show Singapore Leaderboard

Singapore: The LIV Tour Round 1 Highlights

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LIV Tour

LIV Tour 2024: Chicago to Host Individual Championship

Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Championship. (Photo: Getty)

Bolingbrook Golf Club is preparing to host the LIV Tour Individual Championship 2024 from September 13-15. As the final tournament before the LIV Golf Team Championship, it will also serve as the last chance for players to earn points in the individual standings.

The Culmination of the LIV Tour in Chicago

Bolingbrook Golf Club will be the venue for the individual championship and the 13th tournament of the LIV Tour season, located about 30 miles from downtown Chicago. The golf course, designed by Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest, is known for its challenging 156-yard island green at the 15th hole and attracts golf enthusiasts with its rolling fairways and elevated greens spread around seven lakes. The facility, which hosted the PGA’s Forme Tour in 2021, offers a challenging 600-yard par 5 for LIV Tour golfers. The tournament will not only attract golfers but also numerous fans who want to experience the atmosphere of the LIV Tour up close.

Tickets for the championship will be available for sale starting next Wednesday, May 8, at 10 AM on LIVGolf.com.

The Individual Championship of the LIV Tour

The tournament plays a crucial role for players who want to position themselves in the individual rankings and qualify for the 2024 Team Championship. Players who make it into the so-called Lock Zone (Top 24) secure their spot in the league for 2025, while those in the Open Zone (rank 25-48) remain as free agents, who can be re-signed by their current team or picked up by another team. Players in the Drop Zone (rank 49 and below) are relegated from the league and qualify for the 2024 LIV Golf Promotions Tournament.

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LIV Tour

Anthony Kim’s return to professional golf: “I’ve had some very dark moments”

LIV Golf: Anthony Kim and "The Journey Back". (Photo: Getty)
LIV Golf: Anthony Kim and "The Journey Back". (Photo: Getty)

In an in-depth interview with LIV Golf analyst David Feherty, Anthony Kim talks about his long break from the sport for the first time since returning to the professional golf stage. ‘The Journey Back’ provides intimate insights into Kim’s life outside the sport and his reasons for returning.

LIV Golf: “I really didn’t leave the house” – Anthony Kim’s long break

On the way to the interview, Anthony Kim reflects on his ambivalent relationship with golf: “Golf is important and not important to me at the same time. I’ve had some very dark moments, I’ve had some very sad moments, I’ve felt very alone even when there were a lot of people around me.” Once on set, David Feherty speaks to the 38-year-old about his sudden disappearance after injuring his Achilles tendon in June 2012. A visibly difficult subject for Kim, who celebrated his return to professional sport on the LIV Tour a few weeks ago: “I really didn’t leave the house. I’ve been watching a lot of reality TV and eating a lot and just hanging out with my animals.” The public opinion about him is that he took the insurance money back then and decided to just hang out. That’s not the truth: “I’ve had several operations in the last few years and my body is still not what it used to be.”

Before Anthony Kim landed at LIV Golf, the three-time PGA Tour winner was definitely toying with the idea of returning to the Tour. The offer was obviously there: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t interested. They inquired about the possibility of me playing on the PGA Tour again. I weighed up both options.” Ultimately, however, Kim needed a fresh start and there was obviously more to be said for LIV.

Kim doesn’t have too high expectations for his next tournaments, as he is aware that he hasn’t played for twelve years. The aim is therefore to work hard every day and just see what comes out of it. Incidentally, his interest in golf was sparked again by his wife, who wanted to learn the game and so claimed the 38-year-old as her coach.

Anthony Kim’s curious relationship with golf: “I don’t think I’ve ever loved it”

The game has certainly changed in the twelve years of his absence. Some of the players at the top of the world rankings have never played against Kim. That is not relevant for Kim, he says, he only looks at himself and has really fallen in love with the sport for the first time: “I have an interesting relationship with golf. I don’t think I’ve ever loved it. What’s very strange for me at the moment is that I’m falling in love with the game. It’s a very strange point for me because golf for me was associated with pressure and a lot of emotions because my family had to go through a lot to give me the opportunity to play golf. This added pressure made me willing to risk a lot more, it was in my nature. I was aggressive on the golf course, so I was aggressive off the golf course, and that led to my downfall.”

An important aspect that motivated Kim to get out of his hole was the birth of his daughter: “I earned some money, I played golf, traveled around the world, but I had no self-esteem. Now I have the responsibility of looking after my family and being the best role model I can be for my daughter. It gives me purpose every morning, and I didn’t really have that before.”

Kim hints at addiction problems and hopes he can “inspire someone”

In his early 20s, Kim did some things that he blames in hindsight for his downfall. The now 38-year-old also hints at addiction problems: “With the personality I have, which is an addictive personality, it can get out of control. The mind is a very tricky, scary place.” With his upcoming documentary, the US-American sees an opportunity to help other people out of this hole, which he himself only managed to get out of with the help of his loved ones. Kim hopes that he can “inspire someone to dig themselves out of this hole.”

Kim is convinced that he can return to the level he was at before his injury: “I believe that I can definitely play at this level again. I am more prepared than ever for success. I don’t think I was in my first career because I didn’t know what to expect. My mistakes were the reason why I fell into this deep hole. Having better people around me this time definitely helps.”

Kim would also not be averse to taking part in a major in the future. The 38-year-old could certainly think about it if he is actually able to reach his former level again: “I mean, if they give out [invitations], I’m ready to accept them (laughs).”

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LIV Tour Uncategorized

LIV Golf gives up fight for world ranking points

Greg Norman, CEO of the LIV Golf League. (Photo: Getty Images)
Greg Norman, CEO of the LIV Golf League. (Photo: Getty Images)

LIV Golf’s endeavours to obtain world ranking points have come to an end. In a letter to the players, Greg Norman explains the cancellation.

The LIV Golf League is giving up its aim of obtaining world ranking points for its tournaments. Greg Norman, CEO of the tour financed by Saudi Arabia, wrote this in a letter to his players, which was first quoted by Sports Illustrated. According to the letter, it is now hopeless that there will be any points for the LIV players in the near future. LIV Golf had applied to the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) for inclusion shortly after it was founded. The application was last rejected in October 2023.

In his letter, Norman accuses those responsible at the OGWR of having no interest in clarifying the current situation: “A resolution which protects the accuracy, credibility and integrity of the OWGR rankings no longer exists”, SI quotes Normans letter. “We have made significant efforts to fight for you and ensure your accomplishments are recognized within the existing ranking system. Unfortunately, OWGR has shown little willingness to productively work with us.”

No points for LIV Golf – “Even if…”

Even more than the refusal of the seven-member committee of OWGR directors to recognise LIV Golf as eligible to participate, Norman now also sees inclusion in the OWGR system as pointless: “Even if LIV Golf events were immediately awarded points, the OWGR system is designed such that it would be functionally impossible for you to regain positions close to the summit of the ranking, where so many of you belong.”

Peter Dawson, Chairman of the OWGR committee, which also includes the PGA Tour Commissioner, the DP World Tour CEO and representatives of the four majors, explained in October that inclusion would fail in particular due to the Tour’s lack of qualification criteria. Although LIV Golf recently held a kind of Q-School, only three players qualified. In addition, the winner of the Asian Tour ranking is eligible to compete. Others, e.g. Jon Rahm or Anthony Kim, are simply bought in and declared eligible to compete. Dawson has not yet issued a statement on Norman’s statements. A total of 24 tours worldwide with thousands of players are eligible to collect world ranking points. Every single LIV player was aware when they switched to the Invitational Series that they would not receive any points for the World Golf Ranking.

This week, LIV Golf will play its fourth tournament of the current season. The event takes place in Hong Kong. Jon Rahm criticised the basis for calculating the world golf rankings during the tournament: “”I’m going to go back to what I said two years ago. I didn’t think it was a good system back then”, Rahm told AFP ahead of the event, which begins on Friday. “If anything, the more time goes on, the more it proves to be wrong”, added the 29-year-old, who is still number three in the world rankings.

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Panorama

Golfers as trading cards: LIV Golf announces deal with Panini

LIV Golf launches golf trading cards together with Panini (Source: X @livgolf_league)
LIV Golf launches golf trading cards together with Panini (Source: X @livgolf_league)

Panini’s trading cards have long been a source of joy for young sports fans, spanning generations. Now, following a deal with LIV Golf, the first golf trading cards are set to hit the shelves. Panini will serve as the exclusive trading card partner for the LIV Golf League.

LIV Golf Introduces the First Golf Trading Cards

Panini’s inaugural golf lineup will feature physical trading cards adorned with match-worn memorabilia and autographs from players. Panini plans to unveil the first LIV Golf trading cards featuring its popular Prizm and Impeccable brands. Additionally, Panini will launch an LIV Golf Panini Instant card program, releasing real-time cards post-tournaments showcasing some of the season’s winning moments and best shots, as well as team sets. “LIV Golf is excited to collaborate with Panini, a global brand committed to connecting with fans worldwide through a shared love of sports,” said Commissioner and CEO Greg Norman. “Just as our league continues to evolve, bringing professional team golf into the mainstream, this partnership will introduce new products to millions of passionate fans and collectors worldwide. As a former player, I am particularly excited for our players and teams to expand their platforms in this realm.”

Players are also enthusiastic about the deal: “I’m an avid collector of various types of sports memorabilia throughout my career, so personally, it’s very exciting for me to have the opportunity to work with a premium trading card brand,” said Majesticks GC Co-Captain Ian Poulter. “While trading cards are often associated with younger demographics, I believe this partnership between LIV and Panini is a great opportunity to elevate professional golf to the same level as other professional leagues by creating memorabilia for the kid in all of us.”

Team Format as an Incentive

Panini is also venturing into new territory with this partnership, marking its first foray into golf. The format of LIV Golf ultimately convinced the company to take this step. “We’ve often pondered how to introduce some of our most beloved trading card brands into golf, but the sport always presented challenges. LIV brought an entirely new dynamic to the sport. The team and league format is something that didn’t exist and creates another level of collectibles for fans,” said Mark Warsop, CEO of Panini America.

Panini collaborates with many of the biggest leagues and brands in the sports and entertainment industry, including the NFL, NBA, FIFA, Premier League, LaLiga, NASCAR, and more. The Panini Group was founded in Modena, Italy, in 1961 and is the international market leader in stickers and trading cards.

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Live

LIV Tour: Las Vegas 2024 Live Blog

Las Vegas 2024 Live Scores

The Las Vegas in the season 2024 is being played in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America at the Las Vegas Country Club. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 8th of February and ends at the Saturday, 10th of February 2024.
The Las Vegas is part of the LIV Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $20,000,000.
The course for the tournament at Las Vegas Country Club plays at Par 70.

Shortly before the Super Bowl, sports fans can already enjoy top golf in Las Vegas. The LIV Golf Tour is playing in ‘Sin City’ for the first time this year.

LIV Golf League live

LIV Golf is a relatively new tournament series that differs from traditional golf tournaments. Financially supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf is characterised by high prize money and a unique format. The tournaments are shorter, often only three rounds, and include both individual and team competitions, which is a departure from traditional golf.

The tournaments are conducted in a shotgun format with all players playing at the same time. The league consists of 13 teams, each one with four players including usually one team captain. LIV Golf hosts tournaments all over the world.