Which golfers are playing the LIV tour?
The LIV Golf tour has been making waves in the golfing world, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport and offering substantial financial incentives to its participants. Let's delve into the golfers who have chosen to join the LIV tour, exploring their achievements, participation, and the impact of their decisions.
Jon Rahm: The Phenomenal Spaniard
Jon Rahm, the 29-year-old Spaniard, is a prominent figure in the golfing world, having achieved 20 professional wins, including 11 PGA Tour victories. His notable triumphs include winning the 2023 Masters and the 2021 US Open. Rahm's decision to join the LIV tour in December 2023, with a reported $566,000,000 deal, made him the world's highest-paid athlete in 2023. Despite the financial allure, Rahm has expressed concerns about the format of the LIV tour, emphasizing his interest in history and legacy over monetary gains. His involvement has sparked significant interest and may influence other PGA players to consider joining the LIV tour.
Dustin Johnson: The Decorated Golfer
Dustin Johnson is another golfing luminary who has made the transition to the LIV tour. With 57 professional wins, including the 2020 Masters and the 2016 U.S. Open, Johnson's prowess on the golf course is undeniable. Notably, he was the world's #1 ranked golfer for over 60 weeks and has secured numerous accolades throughout his career, such as being the PGA Tour money list winner in 2020-21 and the 2021 PGA Player of the Year. Johnson's decision to join the LIV tour in early June 2022 further solidified the tour's appeal to top-tier golfers.
Phil Mickelson: The Legendary Golfer
Phil Mickelson, with nearly 60 professional tournament victories, including three green jackets, is undoubtedly one of the most decorated players to join the LIV tour. Despite an unsuccessful 2022 U.S. Open outing, Mickelson's illustrious career and epic battles against Tiger Woods have cemented his status as a golfing legend. It is rumored that his involvement with the LIV tour could see him earning upwards of $200 million, further underscoring the financial incentives associated with this new golfing venture.
Brooks Koepka: The Rising Star
Brooks Koepka, a promising golfer, has risen through the ranks since his professional debut in 2012. Notable achievements include winning the U.S. Open championship in back-to-back years and defending his PGA Championship in 2018-19, a feat not achieved since Tiger Woods. Koepka's decision to join the LIV tour, after initially denying any intentions to do so, showcases the tour's appeal to emerging talents and established stars alike.
Cameron Smith: The Rising Australian Talent
Aussie golf phenom Cameron Smith, at 29 years old, has shown immense promise in the golfing arena. Notably, he finished third at the Masters and clinched The Open Championship trophy during the 2022 PGA Tour. Smith's recent victory at an LIV event in Chicago, where he secured a $4 million payday, demonstrates the tour's potential to significantly elevate the earnings of its participants.
Other Notable Additions
- Sergio García, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel were among the major champions and former world number ones who joined the LIV tour.
- Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed, and Paul Casey are among the prominent players who signed up for the LIV tour before specific event.
The inception of the LIV tour has not been without its controversies. The financial incentives offered to golfers have prompted a significant shift, with notable players opting to join the new tour. However, this move has raised concerns within the existing golfing landscape, with the PGA Tour announcing sanctions for its members participating in LIV Golf events. Furthermore, the United States Department of Justice initiated an investigation into the PGA Tour to determine potential anti-competitive behavior with regards to LIV Golf. The involvement of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia in financing the LIV tour has also drawn criticism, with allegations of sportswashing and human rights concerns being raised by various parties.
The LIV Golf tour has brought about a seismic shift in the golfing world, attracting top talent and offering unprecedented financial rewards. The decisions of golfing icons to join the tour have not only reshaped the professional golfing landscape but have also sparked controversies and raised pertinent questions about the future of the sport. As the tour continues to evolve, its impact on the golfing community and the broader sports industry remains a topic of great interest and debate.
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