Is the ‘Tiger Effect’ Failing on the PGA Tour?

The LIV Golf Invitational Series is hovering over the heads of the PGA Tour like dark clouds. Recent updates of some prominent names opting to play on SGL have sent shock waves throughout the golf world. Does this mean that despite top players in the world choosing not to play, other players are still joining the rival tour?

A few big players like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have always shown their loyalty to the PGA Tour. Both the professionals openly pledged to stay with the Tour. Despite players such as the 15-time major championship winner committing to the PGA tour, many other players have asked for a release to play in the Saudi Golf League.

Supposedly, 80 professionals so far have asked the Tour for a release to play in the first event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series at the Centurion Club in June. Lee Westwood, Phil Mickelson, are a few of those who will be teeing it up next month in the first of the eight-event schedule, in which five events will be taking place in the United States.

As for the PGA Tour, they have always kept an upright stance for players joining the SGL. If they play in the rival league, it will lead to a suspension, which can turn into a lifetime ban.

Read more: ‘Didn’t Even Make Fun of Your Golf Swing’: PGA Tour Pro Reaches Out to Elon Musk After Getting Phished on Twitter

The amount of players joining the new tour is surprising. In a way, it also shows how professionals today are doing what they feel best and aren’t following what players like Woods have done in the past. However, only time will tell if other players also join the rival league. But does this mean Woods’ isn’t as influential as he once used to be?

Phil Mickelson asks for a release from the PGA Tour

The lefty has also asked for a release from the Tour. He is among the high-profile professionals to play in the first event of the SGL. Reports from the Telegraph suggest he has signed an agreement to play all eight events. As a result, it could mean a legal battle between Mickelson and the Tour is on the cards, if they suspend the players for the same.

Reports also state he has received a sum of $30million up front to play all the events. He can either play all the events or return the amount with some penalty. Apart from the lefty, Sergio Garcia has also supposedly asked for a release to play in the first event. In fact, he is also ready to sacrifice his Ryder Cup career to play in the rival league. Ian Poulter and Kevin Na have also asked for the same.

What action do you think the PGA Tour will take against the players joining the rival league?

Watch This Story: Jack Nickalus wins again on the Champions Tour