Joaquin Niemann has ditched the Torque GC jersey at Al Mouj Golf Course. So have his three teammates. Niemann & Co. are among the roughly two dozen golfers teeing up in Oman. The $2 million purse International Series Oman, kicked off the third year of the Asian Tour International Series, a result of a collaboration between LIV Golf and the Asian Tour.

The purse size, much higher than a regular Asian Tour event (double of the recently concluded Malaysian Open), is courtesy of PIF’s $300 million investment in the Asian Tour in 2022. The Oman event is the first of ten such elevated events with a higher purse size and a hefty paycheck for the winner. Before the fourth round starts at Muscat, take a look at how much Louis Oosthuizen and Carlos Ortiz can earn if they hold onto their overnight lead.

Purse size breakdown of the Asian Tour International Series Oman

The Oman event will have a purse size of $2 million, of which 18%, or $360,000, will head towards the winner’s home. That’s also per the standard formula that the Asian Tour follows: David Puig pocketed $1,80,000 after winning the Malaysian Open. Here is the full purse size breakdown. 

The full Stingers GC and Torque GC squads highlight the 144-man field. Although the $2 million purse size pales in comparison to the $4 million the individual champion gets in a LIV Golf event, for Branden Grace, Joaquin Niemann, Mito Pereira, Lucas Herbert, and others, something more than a title and prize money are at stake here.

Why are so many LIV golfers on the field?

Some players are contracted to tee up at a certain number of Asian Tour International Series events. The International Series Order of Merit is also a pathway for newcomers to LIV Golf. Andy Ogletree earned his place on the breakaway side last year through that. But foremost, International Series events offer OWGR points that LIV golfers don’t get otherwise. 

So, more than just a compromise, it has become a necessity for them. The International Series is one of the few ways for many LIV players to earn world-ranking points and stay within the top 100. That, in turn, is crucial for major chances, as R&A, USGA, PGA, and Augusta mostly depend on the top 100 and top 50 in the OWGR to determine the field. 

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Of course, the governing bodies can also extend an invitation, like Augusta sent to Joaquin Niemann, but that’s limited in numbers. Notably, David Puig earned his chance at the Open courtesy of his Malaysian Open victory. Dean Burmester, too, has earned his way to Royal Troon through his JoBurg Open victory. 

Moreover, none of them are qualified for all four majors yet. So, for the LIV Golfers, not otherwise exempt from the majors, the International Series remains a pathway to keep their Major hopes alive.

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