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LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok – Final Round LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman during the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 9, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Pathum Thani Thailand PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xVachiraxVachirax originalFilename:kalong-notitle221010_npbPL.jpg
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LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok – Final Round LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman during the LIV Golf Invitational Bangkok at Stonehill Golf Course on October 9, 2022 in Pathum Thani, Thailand. Pathum Thani Thailand PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xVachiraxVachirax originalFilename:kalong-notitle221010_npbPL.jpg
Although a potential merger has been on the cards, the LIV Golf and PGA Tour equation has been turbulent of late. Recently, the OWGR’s rejection also upset LIV Golf big time. Now, the latest Jon Rahm situation has massively fueled the buzz around the feud. Meanwhile, the controversial American writer who recently launched his book “LIV and Let Die” tweeted about the situation.
The author has shared his thoughts and opinions on why Rahm might have disappeared from the TGL. He also spoke about LIV Golf and PGA Tour dynamics going forward. Apart from that, he discussed the shortcomings in Greg Norman’s strategy for taking LIV forward.
Where is LIV Golf headed right now?
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Following Jon Rahm’s disappearance from the TGL space, Alan Shipnuck started tweeting about the situation. He explained how LIV has always had eyes for Rahm. He contemplated if Rahm would be interested in defecting to LIV.
Following up with the discussion, Shipnuck answered a question from a Twitter user. The user asked the prospects of LIV Golf as a business if they are only signing one or two players a year. The question focused on how LIV could add more meaningful names to their roster.
Shipnuck responded by admitting that this is indeed LIV’s conundrum. “It had a recruiting advantage when Tour purses were $9 million. Now, not so much.” He pointed out PGA signing the prodigies Ludvig Aberg and Seth Sargent. “PIP + TGL=funny $ for Tour loyalists. LIV’s only way forward is huge signing bonuses.”
This is LIV’s conundrum. It had a recruiting advantage when Tour purses were $9 million. Now, not so much. LIV forced the upgrades to PGA TourU, which locked up Aberg/Sargent. PIP + TGL=funny $ for Tour loyalists. LIV’s only way forward is huge signing bonuses. Your move, Yasir. https://t.co/Ie66eKrhgh
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) November 2, 2023
PIP, a player impact program, by the PGA Tour has been rewarding top-performing players based on an impact ranking. Shipnuck believes that PGA Tour pros who can gain from PIP and join TGL, probably won’t find LIV money as a major temptation. Alan Shipnuck also responded to a few follow-up questions under his tweet. Here is a summary of the mini Q&A session.
Shipnuck answers LIV questions
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One question was about if the PGA Tour can afford such bloated payments for long. Shipnuck replied that it’s the main reason the tour is pursuing outside investment. He is referring to the alleged involvement of the Fenway Sports Group’s potential investment in the tour.
Another question addressed the mind space of the players. It focused on how LIV needs to renew contracts and sign players again. It emphasized how players who don’t get renewed might be lost as to where to go further. Shipnuck responded that most top players have signed deals for four years.
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Alan Shipnuck agreed with a comment that contemplated how the Saudis might react to PGA Tour’s talks about taking outside investment. It does look like the LIV – PGAT feud has found a rekindled heat. Let’s wait and watch as the drama unveils itself.
Watch this story | Ludvig Aberg and Other PGA Tour Pros Highlight Their Biggest Golfing ‘Nightmare’