LIV Golf has been in the public eye for most of the year. Everyone knows that PGA professionals are joining it in droves, but what is this brand-new league? Here’s everything you should know about LIV golf.
The Backing of LIV Golf
LIV Golf gets its name because the Roman numeral is 54, which is how many holes each event will have. What was formerly the Super Golf League, LIV receives its backing from LIV Golf Investments, where former PGA professional, Greg Norman, is the CEO.
While that all sounds well and good, the Saudi government is the one financially backing the tour, which is controversial among a portion of golf’s global audience.
The Controversy
The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has connections to the Saudi government, with its chair, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, being the son of the king of Saudi Arabia. With the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Bin Salman’s regime, it’s difficult for many to support such a league backed with Saudi money. When asked if he had a comment on Saudi executions, Norman said, “I don’t look into the politics of things.”
Many believe the Saudi government uses golf as a form of “sportswashing,” when a person, company, or governing body uses sports to rebuild its tainted status on the world stage.
How Are the Events Played?
Each event has 48 players and 12 teams. Every event is different, with team captains drafting a new squad before each tournament. There are no cutlines in LIV golf, guaranteeing each player an enormous payday regardless of how well they play. Everyone hits the course simultaneously, making the days quick, events short, and each player’s wallet full.
It’s not like the tournament field only sports new players. Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Phil Mickelson are a few of the Americans who made the switch, banning them from future PGA events and potentially prohibiting them from joining Zach Johnson’s Ryder Cup squad.
Among the many things you need to know about LIV Golf, know that the money behind LIV Golf likely isn’t going away anytime soon. Players will continue to make the switch, a choice that may change the face of the sport in the future. But how will the PGA respond beyond kicking players out? Only time will tell.
