Professional golfers have never had it so good, and it’s all thanks to LIV Golf - at least according to a statement released by the Greg Norman-fronted series in response to the unprecedented changes the PGA Tour announced yesterday.
“LIV Golf is clearly the best thing that’s ever happened to help the careers of professional golfers,” read the whole statement, as the new upstart had what looks like a slight dig at the increased prize funds and other benefits detailed by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan in a letter to all members and press conference ahead of the Tour Championship.
Greg Norman had his own take on Instagram too. The LIV CEO posted a meme of himself and Monahan, with the caption showing the PGA Tour boss asking: “Hey, can I copy your homework?” and Norman replying: “Sure, just make it look different so it doesn’t look too obvious”. The post drew laughing emoji responses from LIV players Lee Westwood and Charles Howell III.
The PGA Tour held a press conference ahead of the FedEx Cup finale at East Lake in Atlanta, outlining increased purses for more of its events, as well as commitments from the top players to play against each other more. There will now be 12 ‘elevated events’, an increase of four, all carrying a minimum prizepool of $20million, an increase of at about $46million in total. The ‘top players’, as defined by the top-20 in the Player Impact Program, have agreed to compete against each other in at least 20 events a year, made up of these elevated events, the four Majors, the Players Championship and the FedEx Cup.
There were also benefits for the non-elite players, with the Earnings Assurance Program guaranteeing those participating in at least 15 events earnings of no less than $500,000, while a $5,000 travel stipend will be paid to non-members for every missed cut.
-
Two-Time Major Runner-Up Amy Olson Announces Retirement Aged 31The LPGA Tour pro, who has been on maternity leave since last year, made the announcement on social media
-
Angela Stanford’s Pursuit Of 100 Consecutive Majors Could End Painfully Short After Two Huge BlowsThe 46-year-old had been hoping to make a 99th successive Major appearance at the US Women's Open, but a double blow means her options are slimmer than ever
-
Former Premier League Player Wins Close House Club ChampionshipsFormer Middlesbrough and Sunderland player, Lee Cattermole, managed to secure the title by just one shot
-
'We've Got 14 Majors Out Here Now' - Pro On The Strength Of LIV GolfBranden Grace says LIV Golf now has 14 events just like Majors given the increased strength of the field
-
Poulter Says It's 'Full Steam Ahead' For LIV GolfIan Poulter says it's "full steam ahead" for LIV Golf while Lee Westwood says it'll only get stronger after the PGA Tour-PIF deal
-
Westwood And Poulter Explain Why They Skipped Open Championship QualifyingIan Poulter said Open qualifying didn't really fit in with his schedule, while Lee Westwood had hoped to play in the Senior Open this year
-
'Too Much Chaos' - Kaymer Says 2023 Ryder Cup Should Go Ahead Without LIV EuropeansThe German wants LIV players to be eligible for future Ryder Cups, but admits it would be too messy for Europe to change their plans for Rome
-
'I'm Good Enough To Be Out There' - McDowell Hopeful Of Ryder Cup Future After MergerGraeme McDowell thinks he has a future in the Ryder Cup, but only beyond the 2023 tournament
-
Garcia Leads Team Of 21 LIV Golfers Playing In Open QualifyingSergio Garcia leads the likes of Graeme McDowell, Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel in list of 21 LIV golfers playing in Open qualifying
-
Lee Westwood To Miss First Open In 28 Years After Skipping Final QualifyingThe Englishman will miss the Major at Royal Liverpool along with fellow LIV Golf player Ian Poulter
