LIV Golf’s Ambitious Plans to Attract PGA Tour Stars for Second Season – Will They Succeed?

LIV Golf’s CEO, Greg Norman, has revealed ambitious plans to attract seven more top PGA Tour players to the Saudi-backed rebel series for its second season. The inaugural season concluded with the team championship in Miami, and the breakaway has already succeeded in luring prominent names like Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, and others. Norman hints that the new additions could come from the World’s top 20, with rumors circulating about

players like Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Adam Scott, and Thomas Pieters being on LIV Golf’s radar.

While the potential recruits face suspension from the PGA Tour, Norman asserts that the players already part of LIV Golf feel “liberated” by their decision to join the series. The mega-money prize purses, which have proven to be highly lucrative, undoubtedly contribute to this feeling. For instance, Pat Perez earned over $8 million in LIV Golf’s debut season, thanks to the success of his team, the 4Aces. Dustin Johnson topped the earnings table with an impressive $35.6 million from his eight events and a reported signing-on bonus of over $100 million.

The financial success and the prospect of returning for the second season have driven a significant majority of players to want to stay with LIV Golf, according to Norman. The series is set to return in 2023 with the LIV Golf League, offering $405 million in prize purses and introducing a franchise system. This new format will feature 12 teams led by established Team Captains, allowing them to build their franchises and attract fan following and sponsors.

While LIV Golf’s growth has been met with backlash and criticism due to its Saudi ties and allegations of sportswashing, the series is poised for further expansion and aims to shake up the world of professional golf by attracting more top talent from the PGA Tour.