‘Lot More’: Problematic LIV Golf Defection Still a Threat for PGA Tour With Pros Again Seeking Asylum, per Insider

Days after the full field of LIV Golf Promotions event was released, one insider throws more light on the PGA Tour pros competing in the event. The Qualifier event will offer three LIV Golf cards, the fourth being already given to them after the International Series Order of Merit Champion. A total of 69 players will tee off on the first day with players with exemptions joining on the second day. Eventually, it will be whittled down to 20 in the final round.

PGA Tour’s decision to not ban their players from participating in the event shocked many. Expectedly, the field did throw up some interesting names that included even a Major winner. Now as per the insider who has spoken to the pros, LIV Golf offered something the PGA Tour never could.

PGA Tour pros are excited as per insider

Jerry Foltz, a former golfer turned commentator for the PIF-funded side offered some interesting insight regarding the LIV Golf Promotions tournament. Foltz understands that the PGA Tour players are excited to line up for the qualifier for what it offers for the future. Talking with Su-Ann Heng, he said, “I’ve talked to two PGA Tour players today,” and “Everybody seems to have the same sentiment.”

The key reason for the excitement is that no qualifying tournament has so much prize money on the cards. The LIV Golf Promotions has a purse size of $1.5 million, a paltry sum compared to the $50 million season-ender in Miami or the $25 million purse regular events. But what makes the matter more interesting is the actual worth of these LIV Golf cards.

These will open the door for vast riches that the Saudi sovereign fund bankrolled events offer. Chase Koepka, who will tee off at the LIV Golf Promotions tournament, earned 1.8M last season. That’s despite the younger Koepka brother having one of the worst seasons in his career and dropping to the relegation zone. “That Sunday for three cards for a minimum that was gonna be worth a minimum of $2 million,” says the former Golf Channel commentator. Adding further, he said, “And that’s if you suck, and you and you really play awfully can be worth a hell of a lot more than that.” Well, indeed. Check Talor Gooch’s earnings for this season, if you have any doubt. 

Foltz, however, chose not to disclose any names. Fair enough. But the full field is up and live on the LIV Golf official website. It includes Ryder Cuppers, former PGA Tour winners, and rising amateur stars.

A few surprises from the LIV Golf Promotions Tournament

American Ryder Cup veteran Jeff Overton, and French Ryder Cupper, Victor Dubuisson, are on the list of LIV hopefuls. Joining them is Jason Dufner, the 2013 PGA Championship winner. Moreover, a former PGA Tour Policy Board member, Chris Stroud, has decided to switch sides. 

Aside from the PGAT and European Tour pros, Sampson-Yunhe Zhung, a rising amateur star from China has decided to start his pro career with LIV Golf. Max Kennedy and his Palmer Cup peer, Ryan Griffin have also signed up for the LIV Golf Promotions Tournament. 

Read More: As LIV Golf Promotions Unveils 73-Player Field, What Are the Top 5 Biggest Surprises?

The LIV Golf Promotions will tee off in Abu Dhabi on the same week the inaugural mixed-gender event, Grant Thornton Invitational, will kick off at the Tiburon Golf Club. Interestingly, DP World Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship will also go on at the same time on December 8, which promoted the European Tour to ban players from participating in a “conflicting event.”

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