Greg Norman, CEO of the LIV Golf Series, believes you should play in the tournament because it's supported by Saudi Arabia.
According to Greg Norman, the CEO of the PGA Tour, Tiger Woods rejected a $700 million to $800 million offer to play in the LIV Golf series, which is funded by the Saudi Arabian government.
Former world No. 1 Norman was questioned by Fox News' Tucker Carlson if it's true that Woods was offered $700-$800 million to join the LIV Golf series during an interview that aired on Monday.
Norman responded, "That figure was out there before I became CEO." Therefore, that figure has been reported. As far as I can tell, Tiger can move the needle.
You will naturally consider the greatest options available. Tiger was contacted by them before I became CEO, so the figure is roughly correct.
Norman previously stated in June that Woods was given a large sum of money to participate but declined. To quote Norman, "we're talking about high nine figures" when discussing the Woods idea.
Some of golf's biggest names have bailed on the more mainstream PGA Tour and DP World Tour to join the controversial tour for the huge payouts.
A number of professional golfers, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, Charl Schwartzel, and Martin Kaymer, have signed on to the new enterprise because of the enormous financial incentives it offers its players.
Prize money for the LIV Golf series is a guaranteed $250 million thanks to the support of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, a sovereign wealth fund presided by by Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
Many players, including Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, have voiced their disapproval of this move, saying that it represents a departure from the game's conventional protocol and an endorsement of a country with a poor track record on human rights.
Woods stated his disagreement with the players who walked out on the Open in St. Andrews, Scotland in July.
The winner of 15 major championships remarked, "I think that what they've done is they've turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position."
It's possible that a few of these players will never get their big break. Certainly, that's not out of the question. However, at this time, we have no solid evidence to support such a claim. That call must be made by all the major championship organizations. There is, however, the likelihood that some golfers will never get to participate in a major event or even set foot on the Augusta National courses.
Woods lines up a shot in the 150th Open at St. Andrews, during the second round of play.
But if they're getting paid regardless of performance, why should they bother practicing? Why should I go out there and work for it? You basically play in a few tournaments and get paid a lot of money up front to do it; you also get to play 54 holes. Their music is blasting and they each have their own distinct vibes.
Especially if the LIV organization doesn't get world-ranking points and the major championships modify their requirements for joining the events, I just don't see how that move is helpful in the long run for a lot of these players," Woods continued.
"It would be a shame if some of these young kids never got an opportunity to visit these hallowed grounds and play in these tournaments," said one player.
Woods even singled out Norman for criticism for his part in the tour's split. To paraphrase, "Greg has done some things that I don't think is in the best interest of our game, and we're returning to arguably the most historic and traditional location in our sport."
Henrik Stenson took first place at the LIV Golf Season Opener in Bedminster, New Jersey on Sunday.
The 46-year-old Swede scored 11 under par at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, to earn $4 million less than two weeks after he lost his Ryder Cup leadership for participating in the series.
Former US President Donald Trump, who owns the course and was present for all three days of competition, was on hand to help him take the trophy.
