Tiger Woods and Brooks Koepka Lead the Charge of Players Rejecting the Saudi League Despite Tempting Offers

When Greg Norman planned the International league under Asian Tour, many golfers said yes to it instantly, for various reasons, including the event’s prize purse. However, some professionals like Tiger Woods were not in favor of the same. Read along to find out why some star golfers declined the massive appearance fee offered by the Asian Tour organizers.

Norman planned a new International league that incorporates a 10-event slate and would be played under the Asian Tour. He is a former professional golfer and current CEO of LIV Golf Investments, a group backed by Saudi Arabian investors.

Notably, LIV Golf invested $100 million in addition to the already planned $200 million, making the total purse money $300 million for the next ten years. 

Given the outrageous figures, many golfers showed interest in attending the event despite the ban from the PGA Tour. However, Tiger Woods wasn’t one of them. 

Why did Tiger Woods deny the invitation to the International League? 

“I’ve decided for myself that I’m supporting the PGA Tour. That’s where my legacy is,” Tiger said. He further explained that he had a successful career because of the PGA Tour. Hence, he won’t accept money over his allegiance towards the American tour event. 

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He further added that the PGA Tour is improving by gradually increasing its purse money. And he believes in Jay Monahan’s leadership as the commissioner of the PGA Tour. 

Other star golfers who refused to attend the Saudi league

The new prize money was not small; with Norman’s involvement, it further increased, ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million. However, it was not only Tiger who didn’t accept the offer. Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas, too, believed in PGA Tour’s ability to make good decisions for its players. 

Koepka said, “at the end of the day, there is only one tour I am playing right now, so I am only interested in that one.” He further explained that he loves the freedom he gets when he plays for a PGA Tour event. 

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Thomas, too, had a similar thought. He said, “I’m focused on what I’m doing out here.” He further added that new ventures of the PGA Tour, like the Player Impact Program and increase in the purse money, are a good start towards rewarding its players. 

What is your take on this? Do you think the aforementioned star players have made the right decision?