Will the Saudi Backed Golf Series Suffer the Same Fate as the Breakaway Soccer Super League?

Early last year in April, the world was being overtaken by the possibility of a possible European Super League. With teams like Arsenal, Real Madrid, and 10 others already having teamed up with the Super League, fans were worried beyond reason. Eventually, in tow with countless debates and issues, the whole idea collapsed after Premier League teams pulled off their support.

It was clear that while the idea might be appreciated, not everybody was ready to go down the Super League Road. In the end, the idea could not take off.

Now, as 2022 progresses, the golf world has to face a similar fast-approaching Saudi-backed Golf Super League.

Can a Super League work with the golf?

With time, a sport evolves. Some changes stick around, while some find it difficult to move with the revolution taking place. Irrespective of the idea, it is also always difficult to get everyone on board.

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Taking Saudi-backed $300 million investment into account, the golf world might just have their hands full with this one. The first event will also take place at the Centurion Club in Hertfordshire in June.

When looking at the European Super League, it’s clear that the idea ultimately fizzled out.

If we look at both scenarios, the PGA faithful will expect the golf Super League to ultimately end up on the shelf, just like the European Super League.

As mentioned, the European Super League had started its journey with the support of some big names in club football. However, as time passed, the support was withdrawn. Even if one has money, no league or series can be played without support. This includes both players/teams or fans, who are the ones really responsible for the result.

Fans can even boycott the events, which will ultimately force organizers to call off the whole thing. This is true as each and every sport now values its fans more, after having played games behind closed doors and with no audience.

However, it is also true, fans of both soccer and golf are vastly different. PGA Tour supporters, though unhappy, might not boycott the whole thing. And maybe, a small part of them might even be on board with the idea.

What do players think?

Having said that, golfers themselves have no proper response yet. While “pretty much every player in the top 100 in the world has been contacted”, no one has admitted to signing with Greg Norman’s story. This could be due to the fear of backlash, along with an actual distaste for the tour.

“I think it’s a really good concept,” Dustin Johnson said. “I think it makes it a little more interesting for the fans and for the players. Yeah, I like the concept.” 

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Phil Mickelson, who referred to the PGA Tour as greedy, spoke of other opportunities he might consider.

Though most remain skeptical of the series, names like DJ and Mickelson might earn the latter some points. Certain players continue to maintain their silence, and might also be acting on NDAs signed by them.

Do you think the Saudi-backed golf league will go ahead as planned or end up in the same place as the European Super League?