The LIV Golf Invitational Series will begin on June 9th, and so the officials have released the field list. The golf world was looking forward to knowing which players left the PGA Tour to play in the event. However, what nobody expected was seeing the name of the former World No.1 Dustin Johnson on the list.
“Dustin has never had any issue with the PGA TOUR and is grateful for all it has given him,” Johnson’s agent stated after the field list was released. “But in the end, felt this was too compelling to pass up.” Although his agent stated that he received a huge offer from LIV Golf, he didn’t reveal the offered amount.
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However, according to Telegraph, Johnson has received around £100 million, about $125 million, to play in the Saudi-backed league. Notably, the purse money of each tournament in the league, except the team event, is $25 million. The golfer received the $125 million to appear in it.
“I am fully committed to the PGA Tour,” Johnson stated in February. The golfer released the statement through the PGA Tour after there have been speculations that he is likely to play for LIV Golf. “While there will always be areas where our tour can improve and evolve,” he further added. “I am thankful for our leadership and the many sponsors who make the PGA Tour golf’s premier tour.”
Read more: Dustin Johnson vs. Wayne Gretzky Net Worth Comparison: Who is Richer?
Notably, RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) declared that they ended ties with Johnson as they are “extremely disappointed in his decision.” RBC and the former World No.1 have been working together since 2018. Along with Johnson, they also terminated the contract with Graeme McDowell for playing in the inaugural LIV Golf event.
Other prominent players to join Dustin Johnson in the LIV Golf Inaugural event.
LIV Golf released the field list of its inaugural event held at the Centurion Club in London on June 9. Only 42 players have been confirmed among the 48 players who are likely to play in the event.
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While Dustin Johnson is the highest-ranking player on the field, the event will also have some top names that the golf world is well aware of. Sergio Garcia, Kevin Na, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Louis Oosthuizen are the golfers to play in the LIV Golf inaugural event.
Notably, Phil Mickelson is not on the list of the confirmed players that will play in London next week.
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Did Johnson being a part of the field come as a surprise to you? Who do you think will be the other six golfers to play in London?
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