LIV Golf CEO hints at new signings for ‘strongest field’ | Golf | Sport
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil has insisted the Saudi-backed rebel tour can put together it’s “strongest” line-up since its inception in 2022. Before Christmas, the controversial tour was rocked by Brooks Koepka’s decision to walk away.
The five-time major winner still had one year left on his LIV contract which was worth $100million (£74m) a year. He insisted he was leaving the tour so he could spend more time with his family. It was a huge blow for organisers of the divisive scheme, which gets up and running next month with its first event, LIV Golf Riyadh, beginning on February 4th. However, O’Neil suggested there may be some new signings on their way.
O’Neil recently said: “We’re looking to have the strongest strength of field in the history of LIV this year, if we can close out these last few players to come across, which would be really exciting.”
At present, LIV’s efforts of enticing new players to the tour have, it appears, fallen flat. Marco Penge, Si Woo Kim and Max Greyserman have all been linked in recent weeks, but neither have so far committed to joining.
There were even reports the latter turned down an eight-figure offer to become the latest player to move to the scheme, financed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. O’Neil’s first off-season as CEO began positively, with Dustin Johnson extending his stay.
Bryson DeChambeau also debunked claims he was considering jumping from the lucrative ship, after there were suggestions he was plotting an exit, soon after Koepka’s departure. However, DeChambeau’s deal is up at the end of the year and there has so far been little indication an extension is on its way.
But that may be an issue for another time for O’Neil, who was rocked by Koepka’s abrupt departure just before Christmas. The news was confirmed by LIV with a statement which said: “Brooks Koepka will be stepping away from LIV Golf.
“He is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan [the governor of the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund], Scott O’Neil [LIV chief executive] and the LIV Golf leadership team, his team-mates and the fans.”
Koepka’s management team also added: “Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home. Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”
The PGA Tour also issued a statement of their own which read: “Brooks Koepka is a highly accomplished professional, and we wish him and his family continued success. The PGA Tour continues to offer the best professional golfers the most competitive, challenging and lucrative environment in which to pursue greatness.”
