Tag: live-liv-golf

Categories
Panorama

Fake or fact? PGA Tour and PIF are said to have agreed on one billion

Yasir Al-Rumayyan (left), head of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund and PGA Tour comiisionar Jay Monahan. (Photo: Getty)
Yasir Al-Rumayyan (left), head of Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund and PGA Tour comiisionar Jay Monahan. (Photo: Getty)

There’s no getting around the news, even if it comes from a tabloid: According to a report in the British tabloid ‘The Sun’, the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian investment fund PIF have reached an agreement in their negotiations. Under the headline ‘Golf’s Civil War OVER’, David Facey writes that the Saudis have allegedly bought a one billion dollar stake in the Tour in return for an eleven per cent share and two board seats, including that of the chairman. The LIV Golf League events would continue to be organised by the PGA Tour. It is also said that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy played a decisive role in the agreement as members of the special negotiating committee. The deal still has to be approved by the Tour members, i.e. the players, but the DP World Tour will also benefit in a special way thanks to the strategic alliance, for example through financial injections for prize money.

Facey does not name any sources, of course. And there are also several other indications that the news is more fake than fact. For example, there is never any mention of PGA Tour Enterprises, but that is exactly what the slow-moving negotiations are all about: The PIF wants to become a minority investor in the new commercial venture, in which the Tour is offloading its silverware (tournament, licence and TV rights etc.) and which is already lavishly funded thanks to the Strategic Sports Group’s total of three billion. The naming of McIlroy and even more so LIV and PIF opponent Woods also seems more like name-dropping to generate clicks. Moreover, there is no mention of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who played the Aramco Team Series Pro-Am together at the LET in Riyadh last week. Last but not least, a question underlines the suspicion of a rather simplistic tabloid piece: where did the Sun, of all publications, get such information? The usual suspects, including the reputable US golf media, have not made a single sound in this regard so far.
(Written by Michael Basche)

Categories
LIV Tour

LIV Golf Team Championship: Cameron Smith and Ripper GC Celebrate in Dallas

LIV Golf Team Championship 2024: Cameron Smith and Ripper GC win in Dallas. (Photo: Getty)
LIV Golf Team Championship 2024: Cameron Smith and Ripper GC win in Dallas. (Photo: Getty)

After Jon Rahm was crowned ‘Individual Champion’ last week, the LIV Golf Tour in Dallas decided the Team Championship this week. Without the participation of the defending champions Crushers GC around captain Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, who was ill, the Australian team Ripper GC prevailed against the competition on the final day.

The Complete Leaderboard of the LIV Golf Team Championship 2024

LIV Golf: Ripper GC Wins the Team Championship in Dallas

On the final day of the LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas, team captain Cameron Smith and Ripper GC lived up to their role as favorites. In addition to the two surprise teams 4Aces GC and Iron Heads GC, who only finished 10th in the season rankings and, in the case of Iron Heads, a distant 13th, Ripper GC also had to deal with second-placed Legion XIII in the final. However, without Jon Rahm, who was ill, the newly formed team was clearly weakened. While Tyrrell Hatton did everything in his power with a round of 68 to make up for the Spaniard’s absence, it was Kieran Vincent’s weak round of 73 that ultimately made the difference. The one stroke over par was the weakest score among the four final teams. At Ripper GC, captain Cameron Smith was able to rely on the performance of his teammates (Herbert 69, Jones 70, Leishman 70) and successfully led the team to the Team Championship (-11) with a joint best score of the day of 68 strokes. Second place was shared by 4Aces GC and Iron Heads GC with the two captains Dustin Johnson and Kevin Na (-8).

After the final round, team captain Cameron Smith was visibly relieved: “Yeah, it was pretty unreal. Yeah, so proud. There was something in me that was going to tell me that the boys were going to come through. The Gladiator, the last four of the five holes, pretty unbelievable. Really cool stuff. I mean, to be a part of this is unreal, especially with these guys.”

Categories
LIV Tour

LIV Golf Prize Money: Who Earned the Most Money in 2024?

Jon Rahm earned the most money in the 2024 LIV Golf season. (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm earned the most money in the 2024 LIV Golf season. (Source: Getty)

The LIV Golf League made headlines again in 2024, partly because of the huge prize money paid out to the players. The final regular season event took place at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Chicago, where Jon Rahm celebrated his second win of the season, securing not only the tournament victory but also the overall title. With an impressive four million dollars in prize money for his victory and an additional 18 million dollars bonus for winning the individual ranking, Rahm tops the season’s earnings list.

The Leaderboard of the Chicago Event

Jon Rahm is the Top Earner of the Season

Jon Rahm has not only won the season’s overall standings, but also tops the LIV Golf League money rankings. The Spaniard has earned an incredible 34,754,488 dollars in total. Following closely behind Rahm is the captain of Torque GC, Joaquin Niemann. The Chilean fought hard for overall victory in Chicago, but was narrowly beaten. Nevertheless, he can look back on a successful year with a second place and a bonus of 12 million dollars. His total earnings amounted to 28,379,167 dollars. Sergio Garcia is in third place in the money rankings. The Spaniard finished the season strongly, securing third place in both the tournament and the overall rankings. With a bonus of 4 million dollars, his total is an impressive 17,334,643 dollars.

How the Prize Money is Distributed at the LIV Golf League

As in the previous year, a pot of 25 million dollars was distributed equally for each of the 13 events. A total of 20 million dollars is divided up for individual prize money. The remaining 5 million dollars will be used for the team ranking. Only for the season finale, the LIV Golf Team Championship, which will take place in Dallas from September 21 to 23, will the prize pool be increased to a total of 50 million dollars.

For the regular tournaments of the season, the prize money is divided as follows: The individual winner of each tournament will receive 4 million dollars. A further 750 thousand dollars is awarded for each game played by the four-man team that wins the team title. The prize money is reduced proportionately with lower tournament placings. However, no one has to worry about going away empty-handed, as even the last-placed team in each tournament takes home 120 thousand dollars.

The Leaderboard of the Team Championship

The Prize Money for the 2024 LIV Golf Season

Position Player Price Money Bonus Payouts
1 Jon Rahm $16,754,488 $18,000,000
2 Joaquin Niemann $16,379,167 $12,000,000
3 Sergio Garcia $13,334,643 $4,000,000
4 Tyrrell Hatton $11,630,263 –
5 Brooks Koepka $8,377,514 –
6 Dean Burmester $8,250,514 –
7 Cameron Smith $8,082,459 –
8 Louis Oosthuizen $8,064,167 –
9 Abraham Ancer $7,436,000 –
10 Carlos Ortiz $7,389,902 –
11 Dustin Johnson $7,122,202 –
12 Talor Gooch $6,153,536 –
13 Brendan Steele $6,090,667 –
14 Paul Casey $6,072,917 –
15 Bryson DeChambeau $6,011,667 –
16 Marc Leishman $5,519,000 –
17 Anirban Lahiri $5,470,633 –
18 Adrian Meronk $5,258,214 –
19 Matthew Wolff $4,767,625 –
20 Charl Schwartzel $4,601,925 –
21 Patrick Reed $4,489,300 –
22 Jason Kokrak $4,129,750 –
23 Sam Horsfield $4,117,617 –
24 Richard Bland $4,108,530 –
25 Peter Uihlein $3,957,750 –
26 Sebastian Munoz $3,821,870 –
27 David Puig $3,643,776 –
28 Lucas Herbert $3,608,833 –
29 Cameron Tringale $3,239,175 –
30 Thomas Pieters $3,068,250 –
31 Kevin Na $3,049,057 –
32 Graeme McDowell $3,032,367 –
33 Henrik Stenson $2,782,304 –
34 Andy Ogletree $2,742,916 –
35 Lee Westwood $2,715,259 –
36 Ian Poulter $2,655,321 –
37 Matt Jones $2,541,758 –
38 Charles Howell III $2,468,321 –
39 Eugenio Chacarra $2,452,900 –
40 Danny Lee $2,361,833 –
41 Martin Kaymer $2,357,328 –
42 Scott Vincent $2,351,833 –
43 Caleb Surratt $2,318,150 –
44 Harold Varner III $2,303,250 –
45 Jinichiro Kozuma $2,106,308 –
46 Phil Mickelson $2,073,914 –
47 Mito Pereira $2,005,833 –
48 Kalle Samooja $2,002,158 –
49 Bubba Watson $1,949,375 –
50 Branden Grace $1,847,435 –
51 Kieran Vincent $1,841,997 –
52 Pat Perez $1,838,125 –
53 John Catlin $1,229,367 –
54 Hudson Swafford $1,000,250 –
55 Anthony Kim $928,417 –
56 Laurie Canter $527,500 –
57 Ben Campbell $187,167 –
58 Wade Ormsby $133,333 –
Categories
LIV Tour

Graeme McDowell Faces Suspension for Using Banned Substance in Nasal Spray

Graeme McDowell was suspended from the LIV Golf League for using a banned substance in a nasal spray. (Source: Getty)
Graeme McDowell was suspended from the LIV Golf League for using a banned substance in a nasal spray. (Source: Getty)

Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open Champion, has been suspended from participating in the upcoming LIV Golf League event in Nashville, Tennessee. The suspension, accompanied by a hefty fine of $125,000, was imposed after McDowell tested positive for L-Methamphetamine, a banned substance found in an over-the-counter nasal decongestant he purchased.

Graeme McDowell Has Been Suspended from the LIV Golf League

The 45-year-old Northern Irish golfer had reportedly purchased the Vicks nasal spray from a local drugstore to alleviate his congestion. Unbeknownst to McDowell, the product contained the prohibited substance, leading to his positive test result during a routine doping control. “As a professional golfer, I understand the importance of thoroughly checking all medications and applying for a therapeutic use exemption when necessary,” McDowell expressed on the social media platform X. “Unfortunately, I neglected to do so in this case, as it was an over-the-counter medication, and I deeply regret this oversight. I fully accept the sanctions imposed by LIV.”

The consequences of McDowell’s oversight extend beyond personal penalties; his disqualification also led to the exclusion of his entire Smash GC team from the Nashville event. This incident serves as a stark reminder to all professional athletes about the importance of vigilance when it comes to medication, even those that are easily accessible.

McDowell Shifts Blame, Criticizes Other Tours Amid Doping Controversy

However, McDowell did not stop at accepting responsibility. In true LIV Golf fashion, he used the opportunity to take a swipe at the broader golf establishment. “LIV’s anti-doping policy is designed with thoroughness and transparency in mind,” he noted. “Unlike some other tours, LIV rigorously enforces these rules… They are essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport.”

McDowell’s comments echo sentiments often associated with former U.S. President Donald Trump, a known supporter of LIV Golf, who has a reputation for deflecting blame and turning personal missteps into criticisms of others. McDowell’s decision to turn his own violation into a critique of other tours highlights the ongoing tensions between LIV Golf and the traditional golf world.

Categories
LIV Tour

LIV Tour Live Blog: Jon Rahm Celebrates Maiden Victory in England

The Live Blog of the LIV Tour in the United Kingdom. (Photo: Getty)
The Live Blog of the LIV Tour in the United Kingdom. (Photo: Getty)
Categories
LIV Tour

Watch: LIV Golf Houston Highlights from Round 2

Tied leader at this week's LIV Golf event in Houston. (Image: Getty)
Tied leader at this week's LIV Golf event in Houston. (Image: Getty)

The LIV Golf tournament in Houston concluded its fourth and final round at the Golf Club of Houston. With a total prize fund of $25 million USD, the event featured a competitive field of international players.

The leaderboard was tightly contested, with David Puig (ESP), Carlos Ortiz (MEX), Adrian Meronk (POL), and Paul Casey (ENG) all finishing in a tie for the first position, each achieving a total score of -10. Patrick Reed (USA) followed closely in the fifth position with a total score of -9.

In terms of the standout performers of the day, Jason Kokrak (USA), David Puig (ESP) and Abraham Ancer (MEX) recorded the best daily score with a total of -6.

These LIV Golf Highlights from Houston include remarkable shots and key moments from the second round.

show Houston Leaderboard

Houston: The LIV Golf Round 2 Highlights

Categories
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.

Categories
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.

Categories
Professionals

Rory McIlroy: “My future is on the PGA Tour”

Rory McIlroy denies LIV rumors and commits to the PGA Tour for the rest of his career. (Source: Getty)
Rory McIlroy denies LIV rumors and commits to the PGA Tour for the rest of his career. (Source: Getty)

Rory McIlroy has been one of the absolute top stars on the PGA Tour for years. But recent rumors about a possible move to LIV Golf caused a stir in the golf world. According to a report by City AM, the four-time major winner was offered 850 million dollars (800 million euros) to join the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit. In an interview during the RBC Heritage on Hilton Head Island, McIlroy cleared up the speculation and emphasized his clear decision to remain on the PGA Tour.

Rory McIlroy commits to the PGA Tour

“I honestly don’t know how rumors like this get started,” McIlroy told Golf Channel’s Todd Lewis. “I’ve never been made an offer from LIV and I’ve never seriously considered moving to LIV. I think I’ve made it clear over the last two years that I don’t see that happening for me. That doesn’t mean I’m judging those who have gone there.” McIlroy has been critical of the league since LIV Golf’s announcement and was surprised by the proposed merger with the PGA Tour last June. But although some of his peers, such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, have made the move to LIV Golf, McIlroy remains steadfast in his decision to stay on the PGA Tour.

In a recent appearance on Gary Neville’s The Overlap, McIlroy called Rahm’s decision “a smart move”. But he clearly sees his own future on the PGA Tour: “I’m playing here today and next week I’ll be playing on the PGA Tour and I’ll be playing the PGA Tour for the rest of my career.” McIlroy’s solidification of his decision to stay on the PGA Tour comes at a time when his game and decisions are being closely watched. After McIlroy lost out again at Augusta and is still waiting for his career Grand Slam, the Northern Irishman will be back in action at the RBC Heritage. McIlroy will play the first two rounds with the Swede Ludvig Aberg, who finished a commanding second at the Masters.

Categories
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).”