Tiger Woods was offered "high nine digits" to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series according to CEO Greg Norman.
Speaking to the Washington Post, the Australian described how Woods' representatives were pitched the LIV Golf model and the 15-time Major winner was offered a deal that was "mind-blowingly enormous," saying "we're talking about high nine digits."
In the same Washington Post piece, Norman called Jack Nicklaus a "hypocrite" and said that Rory McIlroy, who has been very public in his support for the PGA Tour and opposition to the LIV Series, was "brainwashed.'
It's likely not the first time Woods has turned down an offer from the Saudis, after reportedly being offered $3m to tee it up in the Saudi International when it was part of the European (now DP World) Tour schedule.
Woods, like McIlroy, has been unanimous in his support for the PGA Tour and recently said "a lot" of PGA Tour players have "pushed back" on the comments made by Phil Mickelson, who criticised the Tour for its "abnoxious greed" surrounding players' media rights and also said he was using LIV Golf as "leverage" against the Tour.
"Phil has said some things that I think a lot of us who are committed to the Tour, and committed to the legacy of the Tour, have pushed back against," Woods said at last month's PGA Championship. "He has taken some personal time and we all understand that. But I think that some of his views on how the Tour could be run, should be run, been a lot of disagreement there."
The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series tournament begins this week at the Centurion Club near London, where Dustin Johnson headlines the field alongside the likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Louis Oosthuizen. A total of 48 players will tee it up over 54 holes in 12 teams of four, with $25m of prize money on the line.
The LIV Golf Invitational Series schedule features eight tournaments, concluding at Trump National Doral in the season-ending Team Championship.
VIDEO: THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT TIGER WOODS
-
'Gator Netting Is In Place' - Chevron Championship Venue Prepared For 'Safe' Winner's JumpA tradition which began at the tournament's previous home could continue this year - if the champion is feeling brave enough...
-
New Balance 997 SL Golf Shoe ReviewNew Balance produce some extremely stylish footwear and, in this review, Matt Cradock takes their spikeless 997 SL onto the course
-
RBC Heritage Prize Money Payout 2024Hot on the heels of The Masters comes the latest signature event on the PGA Tour, this time from Harbour Town in South Carolina
-
'I Will Play The PGA Tour For The Rest Of My Career' - Rory McIlroy Emphatically Shuts Down $850m LIV Golf ReportThe four-time Major winner has told the Golf Channel he has no intention of making the leap from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
-
Rory McIlroy’s Manager Responds To $850m LIV Golf ReportSean O'Flaherty has described a report linking his client with a big-money move to LIV Golf as "fake news"
-
Tiger Woods Finishes Last At 2024 Masters Following Highest Total Score Of Pro CareerWoods putted out for a final round 77 at Augusta to finish on +16, but the veteran still vowed to play the rest of the year's Majors
-
What Would A 15-Handicapper Shoot Around Augusta? Rory McIlroy Gave This Brutal Response...McIlroy's search for an elusive Grand Slam with a Masters victory continues but he gave short shrift to any idea amateurs could handle Augusta
-
‘My Swing Felt Horrific’ - Rory McIlroy Last Man On Driving Range After Sliding Down Masters LeaderboardRory McIlroy fell from contention after a disappointing second round in windy conditions at Augusta National
-
Tiger Woods Impresses On Masters Day One With 23 Holes To Play On FridayWoods played 13 holes in one-under-par on Thursday afternoon before play was called due to darkness
-
Why Is Tiger Woods Not Wearing Nike At The Masters?At the start of 2024 Tiger Woods revealed he wouldn't be wearing Nike anymore, but why is that? We explain all here.
