MONEY VERSUS MORALS
Why the new Asian Tour reboot could lead to a controversial Super Golf League, led by former World No.1 Greg Norman
The European Tour have a new name, the PGA Tour are about to get even bigger, and now the Asian Tour have a rich new benefactor, spearheaded by Greg Norman, who wants to use a new golf series as a stepping stone to create a rival golf league, 27 years after Norman’s failed bid to establish a World Golf Tour. There’s a LOT to unpack, so this is what we know so far…
The Asian Tour have closed the gap on the European Tour
LIV Golf Investments, a start-up company of which Greg Norman has been made CEO, are committing more than $200 million over the next decade to a new 10-tournament series, which will be added to the Asian Tour schedule from 2022. Each event will have a minimum purse of $1 million and will form part of a 25-event season, featuring recordbreaking prize funds. We understand Sky Sports and BT Sport are currently jostling for the UK broadcasting rights to the series, which will take place across Asia, the Middle East and Europe (venues TBC).
A Super Golf League is edging closer
Greg Norman has revealed “this is only the beginning” amid rumours that he will become the commissioner of a new Saudifunded breakaway golf league. Although players have been threatened with bans from the PGA Tour should they defect, The Telegraph claims that Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson and Justin Rose are mulling over offers in the region of $30-to-$50 million to compete in a series of individual and team events. Greg Norman told us that all players are ‘independent contractors’, hence “they can play where they want”, so something has got to give. We’re not ruling out some kind of legal battle.
There is still a big human rights issue to consider
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment
Fund (PIF), which helped bankroll the takeover of Newcastle United, is the majority shareholder in LIV Golf Investments, which has led to claims of sportswashing. The fund is currently chaired by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who has been accused of ordering the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist who was critical of the Saudi government. Rory Mcilroy has already spoken out about the morality issues, branding the proposals a “money grab” similar to football’s European Super League.
The PGA Tour have big plans of their own
In another twist, the PGA Tour are planning to create a series of lucrative international tournaments that will offer guaranteed money to their members. The series, which could begin as early as 2023, is just one part of a big charm offensive, designed to defuse the threat of a rival league.
In addition to ‘significant’ increases in prize funds, the Fedex Cup bonus pool is set to rise to $75 million next year, while the controversial Player Impact Program is growing from $40 million to $50 million. A new bonus scheme will also reward every member who makes at least 15 starts with $50,000.
The Premier Golf League are still lurking in the background
Even though many of those involved have branched out to join Norman’s endeavour, the London-based group still want to set up a 48-player, 12-team golf league – similar in style to F1 – but under the umbrella of the PGA Tour. The league’s founder, Andrew Gardiner, has revealed that he sent a proposal to Commissioner Jay Monahan, with the view to a 2023 start date, but has yet to receive a response.