LIV Golf has announced six new signings, bringing to an end weeks of speculation as to who would be the next high-profile players to join the Saudi-backed Series.
However, while Cameron Smith, Joaquin Niemann, Harold Varner III, Cameron Tringale, Marc Leishman and Anirban Lahiri will be teeing it up at the fourth event at Boston, one player who won’t be joining them is Hideki Matsuyama.
Video: What Is LIV Golf?
The Japanese World No.16 had been persistently linked with the Series in recent weeks. However, according to Brian Wacker, at the recent Tiger Woods-led player-only meeting of PGA Tour members, "someone in the room" remarked he was "torn between the money and his legacy" on the PGA Tour.
Latest Saudi LIV Golf defection is official: Cam Smith, Marc Leishman, Harold Varner III, Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Tringale & Anirban Lahiri. Hideki was the one that got away (for now, at least) as he was, from someone in the room, torn between the 💰 and his legacy on tourAugust 30, 2022
The signing of Matsuyama would undoubtedly have been a huge coup for the Saudi-backed venture, as he’s the most famous and successful Asian golfer at the present time. The impact the 30-year-old could have had on LIV Golf was clearly not lost on the organisation, either, with some reports suggesting it was prepared to tempt him with an offer in the region of $400m to sign up, no doubt fully aware of the positive longer-term effect his presence could have had on its sponsorships, TV deals and audience figures.
Regardless, LIV Golf will be buoyed by its latest acquisitions, particularly World No.2 Cameron Smith. However, Matsuyama’s decision to stay put will be a significant boost to the PGA Tour. It revealed unprecedented changes to combat the LIV Golf threat recently, with increased purses and the desire to "bring the game's top players together more often” top of the agenda.
Whether Matsuyama’s decision to remain on the PGA Tour has been influenced by those proposals is unclear, but the 2021 Masters champion, who has eight PGA Tour wins to his name, is building an impressive legacy on the Tour. For now, at least, it seems the appeal of continuing to do that is more attractive than the financial incentives reportedly offered by the Greg Norman-fronted venture.
-
JM Eagle LA Championship Prize Money Payout 2024There’s a record purse for a regular-season LPGA Tour event at Wilshire Country Club
-
‘I Think I Can Be Helpful’ – Rory McIlroy Opens Up On Potential Return To PGA Tour Policy BoardThe four-time Major winner resigned from the board six months ago, but with the game still fractured, he could be about to return
-
Cameron Smith 'Putting Hand Up' For Fewer US-Based LIV Events And ‘More Of An International Schedule’ Moving ForwardThe Ripper GC captain and his Australian teammates think the Saudi-funded series should target more international markets
-
Fortinet Australian PGA Championship Prize Money Payout 2023Cameron Smith defends his title as the new DP World Tour season begins
-
Scottie Scheffler Says Lack Of Clarity Over PGA Tour/PIF Deal 'A Bit Worrisome'World No.1 Scheffler has spoken out over his frustrations and concerns about the proposed link up between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund
-
Cameron Smith Hoping To 'Tidy Up' Driving Ahead Of Open Championship DefenceThe Aussie wants to work on his driving before the 151st Open despite winning LIV Golf London
-
Genesis Scottish Open Prize Money, Payout And Field 2023Xander Schauffele defends his title with the tournament giving players a chance for some final preparation before The Open
-
Cameron Smith Secures Second LIV Golf Title At CenturionThe Australian carded a three-under final round to claim a one shot win, just a fortnight out from The Open Championship
-
How Many LIV Golfers Have Qualified For The 151st Open At Royal Liverpool?There are 16 players from the LIV Golf League that will play in the Open Championship at Hoylake including defending champion Cameron Smith
-
Cameron Smith Says Open Win 'A Little Bit Overshadowed' By LIV TalkCameron Smith says it was frustrating being quizzed about LIV Golf immediately after winning the Open, saying it overshadowed his achievement at St Andrews
