What hes said: I dont know where things are headed, but I know I will be criticized Thats not my concern. Appearance fees for the recent Saudi International, above, totalled around $15m. But this Saudi Arabia tournament the past two years sure has gotten people going, hasnt it? The PGA TOUR and LPGA TOUR refuse to pay players to come here to play, so that's why players here make the trip outside of the U.S. Is he interested? Gooch won the LIV Singapore tournament with a score of -17, but Spaniard Sergio Garcia matched that score, and the two went into the second playoff in the history of the controversial tour. What hes said: I can only say from my point of view I think that its been beneficial to the players to have competition, and I think the Tour would say that they probably feel that theyre in a better position going forward by having to sit back and kind of take a look at things and make some changes.. Yes in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022. McIlroy admitted it's hard to say no to the huge money on offer in Saudi but has spoken numerous times on his commitment to the PGA and DP World tours. Tilly also has a distinguished career in Athletics and currently sits as Executive Director on the Board of NSW Goalball. He nearly blew the monumental lead at the event but managed to hold on and take home his first LIV victory. Since the PGA Tour has previously granted waivers for members to compete on the Asian Tour, Golfweek asked what might justify a change in policy to deny releases this time. However, he did an about-face in late February courtesy of a statement from his team which affirmed his commitment to the PGA Tour. There are rules disputes, and slow play can really get on peoples nerves, but its nothing to get that worked up over. ", Cantlay certainly seemed intrigued as to what a Saudi league might have to offer. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has made clear that any member who joins the rival tour will face a lifetime ban. #AGoodWalk: Eamon Lynch says great strolls are well remembered. Im not saying that these leagues couldnt be great, and things may change. The Saudi International is scheduled for February 3-6 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City, meaning players might not learn if they will be permitted to play until Tuesday, January 4. If Sorour is the public face, Yasir al-Rumayyan is another key protagonist. Growing the game, traveling to new spots, intrigued by the competition all baloney. PGA Tour members who choose to compete without obtaining permission are subject to disciplinary proceedings, most likely in the form of a fine. We would not have an incentive program like the PIP for the top players without this type of competition. Now somebody else has come to the table with more chips. While many players controversially received lucrative appearance fees to compete in the Asian Tour event, the actually prize money payout for the tournament was $5 million, with Varner earning. It is now the second time in recent memory that Koepka has been the subject of rules conversations, as the four-time Major winner also was the subject of some controversy at the Masters when Elliott appeared to indicate which club he used to Gary Woodland on the Par 5, 15th. Sign up to The Recap, our weekly email of editors picks. David brings a wealth of experience to Golf Monthly as a freelance contributor having spent more than two decades covering the game as The Sun's golf correspondent. There is still incredulity in some quarters about how much money players need, and Mickelson admitted that the Saudi threat had already benefited them. Back at Pebble Beach, the. "I'm definitely a curious observer as to see what happens and who decides to play. Quite apart from the no-doubt seven-figure appearance fees that have somehow convinced the Masters champion to visit Saudi Arabia on three lucrative occasions, Dustin . Has he played in Saudi Arabia? Morikawa made comments in early 2022 pertaining to growing the game, a popular talking point for the Saudi League, and it seemed as though he could have some interest in the breakaway league. On another trip, to Morocco, we were greeted by state militia, brandishing machine guns, at the airport, and they never left our side the entire week. Register, Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout. The Saudi-backed 10-event international series will change the game if stars from the PGA and DP World Tours take part . GOLF.com and GOLF Magazine are published by EB GOLF MEDIA LLC, a division of 8AM GOLF. Varner then made a birdie on the par-4 17th before rolling in a 92-foot eagle putt from just off the green to wildly pull out the win with a final-round one-under 69 and a 13-under 267 total. And the former world No1 said people in the game could not afford to become sanctimonious about where the money is coming from. Phil Mickelson, who is believed to have been offered $US100 million (about $140m) to join the prospective Saudi-backed Super Golf League, said: Pretty much every player in the top 100 has been contacted at some point. They include Lee Westwood, who admitted that he has signed a nondisclosure agreement (NDA), suggesting that he also has an offer to consider. World Rankings 'No Longer A Credible Way' Of Selecting Major Fields - Phil Mickelson, New Costco Kirkland Wedges And Ball Spotted, DeChambeau: OWGR 'Pretty Much Almost Absolete', Top 100 Golf Courses UK & Ireland 2023/24, Super League plans were to become a reality, PGA and DP World Tours need to be careful about placing restrictions on players who want to cash in, who will be playing in Saudi Arabia next week, SUBSCRIBE TO GOLF MONTHLY FROM AS LITTLE AS 3*, Get insight to top players, instructions & drills and extensive coverage of equipment. James grew up on the east coast of England and is the third generation of his golfing family. When considering DeChambeaus comments above, and his consistent trips to the Middle East to compete in the Saudi International, it seems as though hes seriously interested in a potential super league. Smith is making his debut in the Saudi International this week, but in his media availability, he dodged questions about the super league. I think they do things the right way. Significantly, that includes a tournament at Centurion Club near St Albans in June which, an insider told The Times, may become a test case with the DP World Tour refusing to grant releases to its players. Two or three times a year, theres a conversation about a host citys security and infrastructure, and weve passed on a dozen opportunities because we felt like it would be a hostile environment. Between the appearance fees, Under Armour, Coca-Cola, Titleist sponsorship, and the commercials, we're pretty sure this 22-year old is set for lifeand he has a whole bunch more to earn in his future. Joe Bidens promise to recalibrate relations between the US and Saudi Arabia raises interesting questions about the future approach of Mickelson, Johnson et al. The Washington Post, which employed Khashoggi as a columnist, said that the golfers were taking thinly laundered money from a man who orders his dissenters murdered. [They] have gone into areas in the Asian Tours path over the years and never had any problems playing tournaments all over Asia and the Middle East. Punishing them could create resentment for the players and that creates a problem between the tours. What hes said: Its been pretty clear for a long time now that Im with the PGA TOUR, its where Im staying. When an appearance fee to play in Saudi Arabia isand isn'tworth it January 27, 2020 Golf, compared to other professional sports, is mostly a controversy-free game. Hovlands comments make it clear he wants to continue playing the PGA Tour, but only so long as the best players in the world continue as well. Yes in 2019, 2020. The PIF Saudi International is giving up-front cash to its contestants of note to simply show up. Unlike most other sports, golf has offered little pushback to Saudi Arabias attempts to repair its reputation. Hes earned the right to defend his title. 1, How Tasmanians fared at Australian Junior Champs. THE MATERIAL ON THIS SITE MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED, DISTRIBUTED, TRANSMITTED, CACHED OR OTHERWISE USED, EXCEPT WITH THE PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION OF DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. 2023 DISCOVERY GOLF, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Here is the prize money payout for each golfer at the 2022 Saudi International. Derek Jeter Comes Clean, According to Players Poll: Dont Make Ernie Angry. Though the catalyst for these international appearances is money, I do think good can come of it. that lower-profile players invited to compete in King Abdullah Economic City have been offered appearance. Golf, compared to other professional sports, is mostly a controversy-free game. Masters champion Jon Rahm on tears, trying to match his idol Seve Ballesteros records and why the Augusta win was no surprise. Just when it seemed Harold Varner III was going to come away from the end of the Saudi International with merely another learning experience," the 31-year-old North Carolina native pulled out the most spectacular finish of his career to walk off with his biggest title. According to ESPN, Woods turned down an appearance fee in the. Did He or Didnt He? Moreover, the winner of the event will receive $900,000, which is the standard 18 percent payout according to the Asian Tour's prize money distribution chart. When the PGA and European tours announced a strategic alliance last summera move widely interpreted as a joint effort to stymie the Saudis rival tourthe tournament was booted from the European schedule. Is he interested? Tiger Woods has never performed in Saudi Arabia and it will be a surprise now if he ever does. Who can blame them? He is also an avid collector of memorabilia; with items from the likes of Bobby Jones, Tiger Woods, Francis Ouimet, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Adam Scott and Ernie Els. One item grabs players attention, and thats safety. When you get a taste of it, you want more of it.. Heres the prize money payout break down (separate from appearance fees) for each golfer who made the cut in the event. Yes in 2022. Nationwide News Pty Ltd 2023. However, at the Genesis Invitational, he expressed his desire to stick with the PGA Tour. Ive put a lot of mileage in my body. Saudi golf league: Heres where top-ranked pros stand on the controversial breakaway tour, Lee Trevino is asked what its like being Lee Trevino. Your phone calls are being monitored, every lighthearted talk scrutinized. Asked to confirm waiver applications by the above named players, a PGA Tour spokesperson said, As a matter of practice, the PGA Tour does not comment on potential requests for conflicting event releases.. One source close to the tours said that it was heading towards inevitable legal cases. Heres what the top pros in the world are saying about the league and their level of interest in getting on board. Between the appearance fees, Under Armour, Coca-Cola, Titleist sponsorship, and the commercials, were pretty sure this 22-year old is set for lifeand he has a whole bunch more to earn in his future. But then Majed al-Sorour bears gifts like few others. In doing so, he snubs the reported riches on offer in the Middle East to participate in the tournament where he opened with a ten-under par 62 last year, on way to a T3 finish. Even guys like Rory are rarely seen on the PGA TOUR circuit until just leading up to the Masters. What hes said: Over the past several months, there has been a great deal of speculation about an alternative tour; much of which seems to have included me and my future in professional golf I feel it is now time to put such speculation to rest. It's like how hard are guys going to compete when they know that they are guaranteed whatever the money is? But as Ive said before, I certainly don't blame anyone for going and doing it. But I can promise you right now that the furthest thing from my mind and furthest thing from anyones question really was when I won this golf tournament, I made the most money Ive ever made in one lump, $1.67 million, and thats not the part that I remember. Bluntly, the LETs players appear useful and willing pawns in a game. Rory McIlroy, in discussing the Saudi International, the appearance payments that come with it, and the potential new tour, told reporters at the Dubai Desert Classic that while he couldn't. Turns out Tiger ended up doubling the amount he made on TOUR that whole season by stopping over to Dubai for a few events. Clare Fleetwood, wife and manager of Tommy, confirmed that he has applied for a waiver but said no decision has been made on whether he will compete in the event. The Super Golf League has been courting golfs biggest stars with a promise of huge pay daysmore than $30 million, in some cases. McIlroy pointed out that some players could earn about a tenth of their annual income just by teeing it up in Saudi, and it was hard to begrudge them that opportunity. Should they take the dizzying Saudi super league money and risk bans from their home tours, the Ryder Cup and even the majors? PGA Tour policy requires players seeking releases to specify the event they wish to play and not just a week on the calendar. t is no mean feat to be instantly recognised by the worlds leading golfers. Now that a nice (double) pay day. When some of the best golfers in the world traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2019 to play for huge appearance fees and purses at the new Saudi International tournament, the calculus was simple. Amnesty lambasts 'irony' of Ladies European Tour events in Saudi Arabia. A good chunk of players are so isolated in what they do they couldnt tell you what the fuss is about. How to Hit the Draw Shot: Golfs Secret Weapon for Mastering Difficult Courses. Four Tasmanians competed at the Australian Junior Amateur Championships with all producing strong showings against a talented field. No players have publicly announced that they have signed on to be a part of the league, but according to Phil Mickelson, pretty much every player in the top 100 in the world has been contacted.. GOLF DIGEST MAY EARN A PORTION OF SALES FROM PRODUCTS THAT ARE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR SITE AS PART OF OUR AFFILIATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS. I hope it doesnt turn into some kind of line in the sand. Photograph: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images Golf The uncomfortable questions for golf and its role in Saudi. The surprise should not be that Phil Mickelson is taking an appearance fee to play at the Saudi International on the European Tour at the end of January . Seth Waugh, president of the PGA of America, added that rebels would be banned from playing in the US PGA Championship, one of golfs four majors, and the Ryder Cup. He added: One thing I would worry about is if guys go to Saudi and they are going to make ten per cent of their yearly income just by going and playing, then restricting them from doing that. But I also have the possibility of expanding here and there when I have the chance. Paul Casey did something similar. Is he interested? We would not have the increase in the FedEx Cup money. Ive got guys around me that think about that stuff. We were told the soldiers were there for protection, but it was unclear who or what they were exactly protecting. There isnt anything happening out there that would say the guidelines are starting to get pushed by players in typically unique situations, Finchem said. The Northern Irishman, who has always said he would not sign up to any proposed Saudi Super League, says players should not be punished for accepting life-changing amounts of money. Its crazy how for $150,000 you can get George W. Bush to speak at your event, or $750,000 to get Sting to sing at your pool party. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, A week of beers and cheers in Adelaide is being hailed as turning point for Saudi-backed LIV Golf, yet significant questions remain over the rebel tour, writes RICK BROADBENT. Tour players need to obtain a release to compete on other circuits. A quick glance of Twitter proves that premonition right, with fans ripping the decision to shreds. The 2021 Fed-Ex Cup champion said, I think it's a complicated thing and I don't think there's an easy answer. Ive been a member of the European Tour for 23 years, and Ive supported the PGA Tour for almost as long. The European Tour's swing through the Middle East is known for using appearance fees to build top-notch fields. Is he interested? It is slightly more difficult for a player like Jon Rahm, that needs to play 4 times in Europe to be Ryder Cup eligible. Yes, playing for a regime with human-rights issues is not a good look, especially after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The system makes sense, and were not knocking it, but rather were more intrigued by what some of these guys actually earn by showing up. In this review we give our verdict whether you should trust the Motocaddy Flightsafe travel cover to get your clubs safely from A to B, Carly Frost considers the simple ways in which golf clubs can be more female-friendly. He commented: I understand the position of the Tours. LIV returns to the U.S. in two weeks at Cedar Ridge Country Club in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma for LIV Golf Tulsa. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Talor Gooch became the first LIV Golf player to win back-to-back tournaments this weekend after a playoff win over Sergio Garcia, wrapping up the Asian-Pacific leg with two victories and millions in winnings. Nonetheless, Saudi Arabia should be assessed differently in specific relation to golf because of the rising scale of the attachment. It is little wonder players lined up to take part in a video message for Sorours birthday given appearance fees for the recent Saudi International totalled around $15m. Saudi Arabia has consistently denied any involvement from the crown prince, instead branding this a botched rogue extradition. Here's your answer. I don't think that's a problem.. Bubba leaves Augusta and instead of playing in Harbour Town and Texas, he flies to Shenzhen, China to play in the Shenzhen International. | Sea Island Seaside Course. As a number of the world's top golfers prepared for the 34th staging of this event, all discussion surrounded the Saudi International. Johnson, a man who does not need an NDA to say little, could not disclose whether he had received a Poulter-like offer but added: Its not similar. Take that to mean bigger. Notably, this is one of the highest prize money purses on the Asian Tour. He is obsessed with all areas of the game from tournament golf, to history, equipment, technique and travel. Tiger Woods reportedly turned down an appearance fee that exceeded $3 million for this Saudi International event. The players have the power and their next moves could be decisive. And this is just the start of it, he said about Gooch. But at this point, I dont like what theyre proposing.. I hope that that changes.. I think it's already past that point. RELATED: Undercover Caddie: Do tour pros cheat? Saudi Arabia wants to be at golfs top table and has the resources to make that possible. Dustin Johnson's bid for a third victory at the Saudi International began with . The worlds top golfers have found themself at a crossroads, as PGA loyalties are tested against individual paydays of up to $140 million for the Saudi-backed Super Golf League. But I'm really glad that I'm here this week and I love Pebble Beach and so that definitely factored into my decision.". I am fully committed to the PGA Tour.. Golfweek has obtained a current list of players who have already applied for a release to compete in Saudi Arabia in February. The PGA TOUR and LPGA TOUR refuse to pay players to come here to play, so thats why players here make the trip outside of the U.S. At the end of the day, if someone told you to go play in a golf tournament on the other side of the globe, travel and arrangements are taken care of, you could win a trophy and money, and oh, well pay you $1.5 million to goyou wouldnt go? England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The 2022 Saudi International has a prize money purse of $5 million. I hear you: Do players need the money? On the mens side it is depressing that Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and others jet in and out of Saudi Arabia for their annual cash grab with barely a murmur of discontent, let alone decent explanation of why they golfers who already have more money than the Beatles believe this perfectly fair. #NEW: $3M in bonus money will be coming off Rory McIlroys PIP total for the year after he chose to skip the RBC Heritage which is an elevated event, a source tells Sports Illustrated. Should they sufficiently care, of course. Is he interested? The Kingdom has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in sports to improve its international image, including Formula One, tennis, horse racing and wrestling. Thomas seems like he wants to continue competing on the PGA Tour, but he wants to see some innovations to keep up with the super league. Bath First lets talk about Bubba Watson since this story istrending in the news lately. It clashes with the only mixed-sex tournament on the DP World Tour schedule in Sweden and releases are unlikely to be given again. There will be more battles for player releases, more work for lawyers and a tipping point if enough players sign up. Though the tournament purse is $3.5 million, those players are believed to be receiving significant appearance fees, upward of more than $1 million. Greg Norman appears to be the face of the organization, LIV Golf Investments, behind the would-be league, and the group has been pouring cash into the Asian Tour as part their push on to the global golf stage. He also said that the team element of a super league appealed to him. What hes said: I think the schedule theyre proposing is very appealing to probably most golfers, I would think. While Cantlay chose to play in Pebble Beach over King Abdullah Economic City this week, he was candid with his comments about the potential of a super league. Johnson has won the AT&T Pro-Am twice and played every year of his career except 2021, when he withdrew two days beforehand, shortly after his victory in Saudi Arabia. It's nice to be able to take a couple weeks off. Zephyr Melton is an assistant editor for GOLF.com where he spends his days blogging, producing and editing. Any other justification of why theyre playing is a facade. https://t.co/hd2yctOqDC, No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) April 6, 2023. Rumors are flying that he ditched the WGC-Bridgestone this year to play in the Open De France. He assists on all things instruction and covers amateur and womens golf. That's the nice thing. Which, at first glance, looked like he was saying that Brooks hit 5-iron (Woodland had not hit yet). Has he played in Saudi Arabia? Ive signed an NDA.. The purse for the 22 Saudi International is $5 million, up from $3.5 million in 2021. Prepare to be BLOWN AWAY by this Course! It's not black and white. Has he played in Saudi Arabia? Appearance fees for the recent Saudi International, above, totalled around $15m. We would not have the increase in The Players Championship to $US20 million ($28m) if it wasnt for this threat., The Saudis will scarcely be content with thinking their efforts have simply made the PGA Tour stronger, but Mickelson wants more. What hes said: I just dont want to go over there Its a long way.. "It's like a game of poker where the European Tour [now the DP World Tour] and the PGA Tour have had the biggest hand. There has been a lot of talk and speculation on the Saudi League. There has been no Tour player more vocal in his opposition to the super league than McIlroy. Raine Capital has stepped back from its leading role with the breakaway Premier Golf League plan. Ive always thought that rival golf tours are just going to make the existing tours better. It appeared Watson would be the surprise winner on Sunday, the two-time Masters champion playing a flawless round after starting the day six back of Varner. Speaking ahead of the tournament and about the events on the other side of the world, Cantlay said that the chance to pick up a huge appearance fee for playing in the Saudi International was "very tempting" but he ultimately wasn't swayed. Mickelson, 51, is competing in this week's Saudi International, where lucrative appearance fees are paid. Im happy to be here., Is he interested? Winkle says Johnson was torn about the schedule conflict in February but has prioritized defending his title in the Middle East. For most the tri-continental struggle is not a moral maze, but a crossroads. It is the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Saudi Arabia . Likewise, the willingness with which golf turns a collective blind eye to matters of ethics when tournaments are hosted in the United Arab Emirates or China muddies the narrative. If this entire scenario doesnt make golf and its players feel deeply uncomfortable, it should do. What hes said: To be honest, I havent thought a lot about it. Speaking before this weeks Saudi International, where players have been tempted by huge appearance fees, Westwood, 48, was still able to make one perceptive remark about the Saudis investment in the Asian Tour. $3 million" as an appearance fee to play the Saudi International both this . Niemann falls in the latter. It will be good. People out here, some people play for the money, some people play for the love of it, I guess the enjoyment of the successes.