LIV Golf

LIV Golf has turned professional golf into a reality show, and the worst is just beginning.

Still, it’s not the job of Augusta National, the USGA, the R&A and PGA of America to clean up this mess, and that the tour is beholden to them to succeed should be a wake-up call. One of the things that holds our attention are the players in the arena, and when you invest as much time and emotion as being a fan requires it’s understandable to develop certain feelings towards them. The money is too tempting and where that money comes from has not been a deterrent to a contingent of golfers. It insists on selling the importance of the playoffs, and the moment you have to explain why you matter is the moment you prove the opposite. In our neck of the woods, that is golf. And a product that now raises a question of morality. LIV Golf? In spite of its trappings—perhaps in spite of itself—LIV Golf has proved over the past nine days it is very real, and its evolution from a concept to something concrete has massive consequences. If tour officials don’t take this moment to take a serious analysis of the product it’s presenting, they are just as much a threat to themselves as LIV Golf is to them. How that is additive to the sport, how that is interesting to golf fans, remains unclear. Which brings us to the problem facing the PGA Tour, and make no mistake, it is bad. LIV Golf is the antithesis of this spirit. There is a fundamental fault with the competition that LIV Golf is creating, and for a second put aside the problematic strings to this venture and focus on that competition.

Dustin Johnson looks on, with Beefeater guards in the background, during the first round of the first LIV Golf event. Aitor Alcalde/LIV Golf.

His routine par on the 492-yard opener involved a long drive into the fairway, an approach to maybe 18 feet and two putts. Time will tell, but until it does there is something different for this tournament in the feel department. All that activity didn’t end with the tee shots. There’s a red double-decker bus that is actually a “vintagebusbar.” There’s a red phone box that may or may not contain a working telephone. And putting guru Phil Kenyon was in position on the practice green. “Vindictive” LIV Golf called it in a prompt rebuttal. On the (too small) range things have looked pretty much as you’d expect on any other tour. And only four are inside the top 50. Which is not to say things may change on the front. For one thing, the overall quality of this field falls far short of your typical Grand Slam event. They all have a certain something, and not necessarily all the same something, that makes them distinct from the norm. HEMEL HEMPSTEAD, England — Golf tournaments, big golf tournaments, have an individual feel that bequeaths a certain and identifiable vibe.

Ian Poulter plans to appeal against his suspension from the PGA Tour after golf's bitter power struggle took a dramatic turn at the LIV Golf Invitational ...

"Obviously we're going to have to wait and see what the European Tour does. They are having to play the game the way they feel they have to play it, which is playing hard ball. I thought that today was a great start and that's what I'm going to focus on. "I'm not banned because I'm not a member of it," he said. I believe I've been given permission in the past to play in events around the world." "We're in the UK. You've players like myself and Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, we are in our home markets here.

Par 70. 1. Charl Schwarzel -5 2. Hennie Du Plessis -4. T3. Scott Vincent -3. T3. Phachara Khongwatmai -3. T5. Branden Grace -2. T5. Justin Harding -2

T24. Kevin Na +3 T24. Jinichiro Kozuma +3 T24. Kevin Yuan +3 T24. Oliver Fisher +3 T24. Jediah Morgan +3 T24. Richard Bland +3

'Did nothing wrong': Golf rebels react to 'nonsense' PGA ban; loyalists 'pleased' by 'right' call.

“What are the other ones, like Iron Heads? I have no idea,” McIlroy said. Yeah, of course I’ll see it and watch it and see what all the fuss is about.” I’ve played the game all this time with two tour cards that gave me the ability to play all over the world. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.” It’s a shame if they view this as something that is different.” “It’s troubling that the Tour, an organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. “All he’s doing is basically going by the book,” McIlroy said. “So now we have a situation. But there’s not a whole lot we can do about it.” “We’re here because we believe we are independent contractors. “I’m pleased,” Thomas said. But, as I mentioned earlier in the week, I don’t think it’s healthy for the sport,” he said.

How have players like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson performed in the new league's inaugural event?

T24. Kevin Na +3 T24. JC Ritchie +3 T24. Kevin Yuan +3 T24. Jinichiro Kozuma +3 T24. Oliver Fisher +3 T24. Jediah Morgan +3 T24. Ryosuke Kinoshita +3 T24. Ratchanon Chantananuwat +3 Players who take part in future LIV Golf events will face the same punishment. T24. Richard Bland +3 Schwartzel took the lead Thursday after posting a 5-under 65, with Du Plessis 1 shot back at 4 under. Charl Schwartzel and Hennie du Plessis, both from South Africa, lead the field after the first round.

Golf fans have now had a chance to watch LIV Golf, and they might be confused about the new league's format. The Sporting News looks at how it compares to ...

The golfer who wins the individual portion of the LIV Golf London tournament will pocket $4 million, while the last-place finisher will earn $120,000. Of that, $20 million will be split among the 48 golfers in the individual portion of the tournament. At LIV Golf, golfers are guaranteed a share of the purse just by entering. It is simple stroke play through 54 holes for LIV and 72 on the PGA Tour, with the golfer with the lowest score after the completion of the tournament being named the winner. The shotgun format reduces the amount of time a round will last, but it is more conducive to a smaller field. Perhaps the first thing fans will notice just by looking at the LIV Golf schedule is that there are only three rounds.

The legendary Fox Sports executive sat before me virtually in his beautiful Los Angeles home. He wore a white linen shirt and a wry smile, his voice carrying ...

But the bigger problem, the one that will be hardest to fix, is also the simplest: After six months of promising innovation, LIV Golf’s first broadcast was decidedly normal. In many ways, Thursday served as a tryout for LIV Golf’s broadcast team, which is headed by Steve Beim, former U.S. Open and “The Match” producer. Instead, the first LIV Golf Invitational series round was blasted out to the world on YouTube, Facebook and the LIV Golf website … for free. On Thursday, LIV went live for the first time, presenting its vision for golf’s future in a neon-tinted shade of lime green. He had just accepted a new role as a broadcast consultant for his good friend Greg Norman at LIV Golf, and it was his job to bring golf broadcasting into the 21st century. “The LIV Golf broadcast will be unlike anything fans have seen before,” Will Staeger, LIV’s chief media officer, said in a release announcing the new product.

Golf fans have now had a chance to watch LIV Golf, and they might be confused about the new league's format. The Sporting News looks at how it compares to ...

The golfer who wins the individual portion of the LIV Golf London tournament will pocket $4 million, while the last-place finisher will earn $120,000. Of that, $20 million will be split among the 48 golfers in the individual portion of the tournament. At LIV Golf, golfers are guaranteed a share of the purse just by entering. It is simple stroke play through 54 holes for LIV and 72 on the PGA Tour, with the golfer with the lowest score after the completion of the tournament being named the winner. The shotgun format reduces the amount of time a round will last, but it is more conducive to a smaller field. Perhaps the first thing fans will notice just by looking at the LIV Golf schedule is that there are only three rounds.

Following the start of the inaugural LIV Golf event near London on Thursday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced that all golfers playing in the ...

The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond." You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA TOUR card and -- more importantly -- to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf." On Tuesday, captains selected the rest of their teams in a draft format akin to the NFL and NBA drafts. It's troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. Can they eventually play PGA TOUR Champions? Trust that we're prepared to deal with those questions, and we'll approach them in the same way we have this entire process: by being transparent and respecting the PGA TOUR regulations that you helped establish. As far as what happens now for the PGA Tour, Monahan added in the statement: "You probably have more questions.

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T-7. TORQUE GC (+1) – Adrian Otaegui 70, Talor Gooch 71 “How many mocks to make a mockery? T-2. CRUSHERS GC (-3) – Phachara Khongwatmai 67, Peter Uihlein 70 There was a mock red phone box. “There was a mock double-decker bus. It was overkill.”

The new golf tour began on Thursday in London, with fans arriving at the Centurion Club to witness some of the sport's biggest names playing in the inaugural ...

The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond." When contacted by CNN, it said it had "no comment to make" on the LIV Golf series. However, the new, big-money tour offers a significant earning opportunity for players around the globe, in particular the up-and-coming talent. "It's troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. But for six-time major winner Mickelson, who has already earned lifetime status on the PGA Tour, it throws into question his long-term commitment to the tour. On Tuesday, captains selected the rest of their teams in a draft format akin to the NFL and NBA drafts. Among the headliners in Toronto will be world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas. in the biggest mass execution in decades. Defending his title in Canada will be Rory McIlroy, the world No. 8. The PIF has pledged to award $250 million in total prize money. I don't think he's a bad dude. We're not politicians.

After months of speculation, the opening tournament got underway yesterday at Centurion Club in St Albans but was met by confirmation from the PGA Tour that ...

In terms of scoring, the best two individual scores will count towards the team’s overall total across the opening two rounds, with the best three scores combining on the third and final round. LIV Golf Series events will be played over three days and 54 holes, rather than the traditional four-day events with 72 holes. There will also be individual and team competitions within the same event. Of the $25m, $5m will be split between the top three teams. McIlroy: “All he (PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan) is doing is basically going by the book. I have played all over the world for 25 years. After months of speculation, the opening tournament got underway yesterday at Centurion Club in St Albans but was met by confirmation from the PGA Tour that rebel players who participate in the event have been suspended with immediate effect. On the course, the scoring was led by the former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel after an opening round of 65. “I didn’t resign my membership because I don’t feel I have done anything wrong. Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia are among other big names competing in the inaugural event. “I didn’t resign my membership because I don’t feel I have done anything wrong. “It makes no sense,” Poulter said.

A look at what officials are saying (or not saying) about the status of golfers who are no longer PGA Tour members playing in major tournaments.

To compete in the PGA Championship, golfers must be part of a recognized tour. However, the R&A did decide in December not to grant a spot in the Open to the winner of the Asian Tour's Order of Merit. That move came just a few months after the LIV group announced a multimillion dollar investment in the Asian Tour. “We pride ourselves in being the most open championship in the world and the players who have earned the right to compete in this year’s championship, both via exemption and qualifying, will have the opportunity to do so. Once the U.S. Open concludes, the focus will turn to the final major of the 2022 calendar year, the 150th British Open at St. Andrews, Scotland. The U.S. Open is set to begin one week after the inaugural LIV Golf event outside London. As several prominent players announced their intentions to compete in the Saudi-backed circuit, the United States Golf Association remained silent. The USGA, for example, has already said Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and others will be allowed to compete in next week's U.S. Open at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from the second day of LIV Golf's London event, including the performance of both Dustin ...

The Sporting News is tracking Round 2 of the LIV Golf London event. Teams for LIV Golf events are drafted each week by tour-selected captains. 8:54 a.m. — LIV Golf is getting ready to begin the second day of its inaugural tournament. LIV is promoting itself through accessibility. At a typical PGA Tour event, the second day of a tournament would be cut day. However, both finished strong on Centurion's easier back nine to drop their scores to 1 under for the tournament.

The LIV Golf Invitational Series got underway at The Centurion Club on Thursday, with many tuning in to watch and see how the event would go. Although a number ...

Now a freelance writer for Golf Monthly and the PGA, he covers all aspects of the game, from Tour news to equipment testing and buyers’ guides. “We're in partnership with the Asian Tour, so we are in the process right now of the application to put our application in. Although a number of big names like Dustin Johnson (opens in new tab) and Phil Mickelson have decided to tee it up in Hertfordshire, there is still the question of whether the tournament has World Ranking points available.

A handful of companies like Rocket Mortgage and UPS have cut ties with PGA Tour defectors, but most golf equipment makers have remained silent.

On Thursday, the PGA Tour suspended 17 golfers competing in the LIV Golf event and said they’d also suspend any golfers who joined the other tour in the future. LIV Golf’s prize money dwarfs the PGA Tour’s, offering $25 million in prize money for each regular season tournament, nearly tripling the PGA Tour’s average purse of $9.1 million. Mickelson notably did not wear any company logos Thursday, but did don a vest with the logo of the Augusta National Golf Club, the host of the Masters. TaylorMade declined to comment when asked if it planned to continue its sponsorship of Johnson, while Callaway and Titleist did not immediately respond to Forbes’ request for comment.

The Sporting News is tracking live scoring updates and highlights from the second day of LIV Golf's London event, including the performance of both Dustin ...

The Sporting News is tracking Round 2 of the LIV Golf London event. Teams for LIV Golf events are drafted each week by tour-selected captains. LIV is promoting itself through accessibility. The Sporting News will provide updates once the action begins. At a typical PGA Tour event, the second day of a tournament would be cut day. However, both finished strong on Centurion's easier back nine to drop their scores to 1 under for the tournament.

Bold new project or crass money grab? Even golf's best players can't agree on the new Saudi-financed golf tour. Here's what you need to know.

And the streaming services that are luring those consumers away know that live sports is one of the best ways to get new customers, and keep old ones. But ESPN, CBS, NBC and Amazon are in the first year of a nine-year agreement that has them collectively paying hundreds of millions of dollars annually to the PGA Tour to show tournaments. With rare exceptions, PGA Tour events generally consist of four-rounds of stroke play, in which players compete against one another to post the lowest score. With consumers continuing to slowly abandon pay television, live sports is just about the only type of programming that delivers large, and lucrative, audiences anymore. (Here’s a full list of non-U.S. options.) That doesn’t mean you can’t watch in the United States, though: This week’s tournament will be available via live streams on LIVGolf.com, YouTube and Facebook. The LIV Golf individual competition will feel, in many ways, like a traditional golf event: three rounds, lowest score wins. It said the suspensions also applied to any PGA Tour affiliates — circuits like the lower-tier Korn Ferry Tour, tours in Canada and Latin America and, notably for the older players who joined the LIV series, the PGA Tour Champions series for golfers over 50. Phil Mickelson is being paid a reported $200 million to take part, and Dustin Johnson, the highest-ranked player to sign up-to-date, is said to have been tempted by an offer worth $150 million. The winner’s share this week is $4 million, and the last-place finisher at each event is guaranteed $120,000. Sergio García, the Spanish player who had renounced his tour membership when he joined the LIV Golf Series, essentially said he didn’t care what the PGA Tour did. Ian Poulter insisted that he and the others in the field had not done anything wrong, and said he would appeal. The punishments were not a surprise: The PGA Tour had clearly signaled months ago that it would take action against any of its players who joined.

Human rights groups have described the Saudi-funded LIV Golf as part of a broader campaign of "sportswashing." But what all does that entail?

Chadwick said that while the Saudis' investment in LIV Golf might not result in an immediate financial payoff, it is a play for both long-term profit and political capital. They invite prestige, and prestigious characters," said Dana Ahmed, a researcher at Amnesty International who specializes in Saudi Arabia. "So these kinds of events contribute to creating a new image for Saudi Arabia. They contribute to the country’s efforts in rebranding itself." "Sportswashing is one part of (the PR strategy)," Ahmed said. I do not answer to Saudi Arabia." It’s very important for people who can to speak out." "I don't know what the Saudi government does. But critics say the league is part of a broader political effort by Saudi Arabia to buy legitimacy and polish its global image. "Our knowledge as a global community of this apparent phenomenon is relatively immature," he said. A U.S. intelligence report determined the country's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, signed off on the operation. " ... By associating themselves with sport, leaders are seeking to position their country in line with that magic. Perhaps the clearest examples of this, human rights activists say, are instances in which countries host major international sporting events. Human rights groups say LIV Golf is just the latest example.

The rival tour made the announcement Friday, midway through the second round of its inaugural event at the Centurion Club outside London. The Telegraph first ...

He missed the cut last week in his return to competition at the Memorial Tournament. As a result, he has recorded just a single top-25 in six starts, ranks 219th in the FedExCup standings and has plummeted to 28th in the world ranking. He’s not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game. “Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play,” Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV Golf, said in a release announcing the move. The deal to sign DeChambeau was said to have come together quickly, over the course of a few days. He reiterated that stance just last week at the Memorial, when he told reporters that, for now, he was sticking with the PGA Tour. “For me, I personally don’t think that at this point in time I’m in a place in my career where I can risk things like that,” he said.

Bryson DeChambeau has joined the LIV Golf Invitational Series, giving the new circuit another former major winner in its roster of competitors.

DeChambeau lost sponsor Rocket Mortgage on Thursday because of his ties to LIV Golf. The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland [Oregon, site of the series' first U.S. event] and beyond." "Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf's supercharged style of play.

Here are the sights, sounds and leaders as the LIV London tournament continues Friday. Round 2 live Top 10 (three to play). 1. Charl Schwartzel -8 2. Hennie Du ...

Players who take part in future LIV Golf events will face the same punishment. Welcome— LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) @b_dechambeau💪 #LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/9zMvhrC84D June 10, 2022 Schwartzel took the lead Thursday after posting a 5-under 65, with du Plessis 1 shot back at 4 under. Catch him if you can 🏃♂️— LIV Golf (@LIVGolfInv) @CA_Schwartzelfor -7 #LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/rGMZDHnDi0 June 10, 2022 Bryson DeChambeau is the latest big name to choose to compete in the new LIV Golf series. Following the tee-off, the PGA Tour suspended the 17 members who are competing in the event.

HERTFORDSHIRE, England — Bryson DeChambeau is headed to the LIV Golf Invitational Series. In making official what was reported by SI.com/Morning Read and ...

LIV Golf pivoted to a series of eight tournaments this year with 10 scheduled for 2023 and the launch of the league in 2024. I'm just going to keep playing professional golf and enjoy it wherever it takes me, play with the best players in the world. Patrick Reed is also expected to be announced in the coming days. DeChambeau, who has eight PGA Tour victories, has mostly endured a lost 2022 as he has dealt with injuries, including a broken bone in his left hand that required surgery. The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland and beyond.” In addition to his eight Tour victories, DeChambeau has six runner-up finishes and 40 top-10 finishes since turning pro in 2015.

Seven-time major winner Karrie Webb admitted she's worried how the controversial new LIV Golf tour will impact the women's game going forward.

As for where LIV Golf stands with the women’s game, Norman also said last month that the organization approached both the LPGA and Ladies European Tour (LET) with “a substantial investment” and were rejected by both. However, LIV Golf ruffled a few feathers last week at the U.S. Women’s Open when it announced the field for its London event on the eve of the women’s major championship. The LET also showcases the Aramco Team Series, a group of international events backed by the Saudi PIF. Several LPGA regulars, including the world No. 2 Nelly Korda and her sister Jessica Korda, have competed in Team Series events. I think if I was a younger player with no money in my pocket, I’d probably be going, but from my standpoint, and the age that I’m at, you know, I feel like as women we need to stand together.” For the women competing in New Jersey, where 144 players will compete for $1.75 in prize money, the winner will receive $262,500 while last place (70th) pays $3,567, and approximately half the field walks away with zero. And the treatment of women in Saudi Arabia, we shouldn’t be supporting that.”

The overall purse in the individual competition at The Centurion Club outside of London is $20 million with the winner earning $4 million for his victory.

By comparison, that is just shy of what the golfer finishing 19th at this week's RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour will earn. On Saturday at The Centurion Club outside of London, that will come to fruition for the first time when a winner of the inaugural tournament emerges and is awarded the largest payday in pro golf history—$4 million. Here’s the prize money payout for the field at The Centurion Club.

It was business as usual(?) for LIV Golf. That's a monumental achievement.

On the first drive of the rest of his life, Mickelson roasted one down the middle, and he grinded with an intensity that belied the tournament’s lack of gravitas. In a shallow field, the more established players needed to deliver for LIV, and Johnson fought his way to a 69 despite push-slicing a drive O.B. on the seventh hole. The crowd was unmoored, especially early in the round, with many fans simply ducking under the ropes to get closer to the action. His return to public life began with an awkward but occasionally revealing pre-tournament press conference: It was significant and commendable that Mickelson spoke of his ongoing battle with a gambling addiction; the anecdotal evidence had long suggested he had a problem, but publicly taking ownership required courage and humility. One of the most freighted days in the recent history of the sport began with trumpets blaring and was interrupted by a trans-Atlantic saber-rattling, but across the grounds at The Centurion Club, a rather normal golf tournament broke out on Thursday. Poulter preened, Sergio pouted, Dustin strutted, Phil grinned and a surprisingly robust crowd spooned it all up. It was his dalliance with LIV that had sent the Hall of Famer into a four-month exile.

Former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau has officially joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, tournament officials have announced.

"He's not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game. "Rickie Fowler is a name I've heard a lot but as I understand it they still haven't quite got that deal over the line just yet. He hits the ball a country mile, he does things as Greg Norman suggested, very differently, he does some quirky things that ruffle a few feathers as well, but he is entertaining to watch. "Patrick Reed is a name that I keep hearing. Having the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something unique has always been intriguing to him. Love him or hate him, though, he is box office and fans on the PGA Tour love him.

The big-hitting American has become the latest star name to defect to LIV Golf but the opening event in the rebel series has been a low-key affair.

The innovation of playing in both teams and individually is one clear way in which LIV is trying to, in Norman’s words, supercharge the sport. If you put the golf to one side, fans on the course had nothing but praise. “The teams don’t matter”, he said, “and the golf has the feel of a kick about. Greg Norman, the LIV figurehead, welcomed DeChambeau as an athlete “pushing the boundaries” of his sport. “Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play”, Norman said. Day two of the golfing revolution and the headlines kept coming.

Those carrying the bags are also receiving red-carpet treatment at Centurion Club, saying Ryder Cup week is its only rival.

The bar area at the Jury’s Inn has been closed to all but the caddies. This week has been just like a Ryder Cup. They flew me down from Glasgow and there was a guy waiting for me at Heathrow. Then they are taking care of us from here to the U.S. Open. And if I was going to another LIV event after that, they would fly me there too.” “This is as good an event as I have ever seen, from a caddie’s point of view,” says the Scot universally known as Wee Man. “At the Ryder Cup you are made to feel special. All in all, we are part of the scene rather than on the periphery. We have been made to feel like the players. We are also part of the bonus pool attached to the team event this week. This week has out-junketed Sun City. Having talked to Greg [Norman] and others on the organizing team, it has been ‘what can we do for you’ all week. I’ve even been asked what kind and size of towels I like to carry on the course. There are a few exceptions—Lee Westwood’s wife/caddie, Helen, is presumably one of those—but most of the bagmen are staying at the plush Jury’s Inn Hotel at Watford, just under eight miles from the host venue. The sight of half a dozen caddies squeezed into a small car was far from unusual. But many of the best narratives have involved the endlessly creative ways caddies have gone about cutting down in expenses. Over the years, tales of caddie adventures have added much color to life on tour.

Here's the complete leaderboard from Round 2 at Centurion Club, where Charles Schwartzel leads and will attempt to win wire-to-wire in Saturday's final ...

T26. Martin Kaymer 74-70 +4 T26. James Piot 71-73 +4 T26. Travis Smyth 75-69 +4 T26. Matt Jones 74-70 +4 T26. Phil Mickelson 69-75 +4 T26. Kevin Na 73-71 +4 This is the complete leaderboard from Round 2 at Centurion Club. Charl Schwartzel leads and will attempt to win wire-to-wire in Saturday's final round. T21. Jediah Morgan 73-70 +3 T21. JC Ritchie 73-70 +3 The winner of this event will receive $4 million. T21. Jinichiro Kozuma 73-70 +3 T21. Laurie Canter 69-74 +3

Charl Schwartzel has a three-shot lead entering the final round of the inaugural LIV event, while Dustin Johnson is tied for sixth and Phil Mickelson tied ...

Former major champions Louis Oosthuizen and Sergio Garcia are both in a tie for 12th at 1 over. Dustin Johnson is tied for sixth at 1 under heading into the final round of the 54-hole event. Charl Schwartzel has a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Centurion Club near St. Albans, England.

The Sporting News has compiled a list of big-name golfers who have lost sponsorship deals since announcing their intention to compete in the LIV Golf ...

We wish him the best," a KPMG spokesperson said in a statement. "Effective immediately, Rocket Mortgage has ended its sponsorship agreement with Bryson," the company said in a statement. "We wish them well in their future endeavours." He won the RBC Canadian Open in 2020. And although LIV promises lucrative paychecks for its participants, the net financial repercussions of the switch remain to be seen. And some golfers who have joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series have started to see some of their corporate sponsors step away.

As the PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan announced 17 PGA bans, including Phil Mickelson and Johnson, for the rebel defectors to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf ...

“I don’t know the legalities, but Pelley and his board has a chance to embrace this. “I will appeal for sure. “I hope he doesn’t,” McDowell said.

Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and others are not just playing LIV Golf events in 2022. They've committed to multiple years.

The schedule, it seems — and that it includes fewer events — is an underrated point of progress for LIV with the players who have committed. They argue that fewer events creates greater freedom for the rest of their lives. But the truth was, the highest-ranked player in the field, who ultimately validated LIV in a way no other pro had before last week, was happy to share the exact info. They are not the same for every player, but they are often more than one year. Bryson DeChambeau has not played a single LIV event yet, but his commitment was officially announced Friday during the second round. ST. ALBANS, England — Very little has been said in Phil Mickelson’s deliberately tentative press conferences this week at the LIV Golf Invitational, but one factoid did squeak in Thursday evening.

The PGA Tour's majors will become more important than ever with the arrival of LIV Golf and other leagues.

Golf has always been quite global, and with the introduction of LIV it will likely become increasingly so in the future. The OWGR's top 1000 players will be spread out to all ends of the Earth. That will be tough to follow and wrap your arms around. This begs the question at the forefront of professional golf right now, which is whether the Official World Golf Rankings board (made up of the PGA Tour as well as these major organizations) will extend OWGR points to LIV Golf events. The folks at the Premier Golf League have been trying for years to create a product akin to what the crown prince trotted out at the Centurion Club on Thursday, and in fact it seems to be the very blueprint the Saudis copied when beginning this LIV Golf league. When your only recourse is to point out to players how much money the other guys have, and how much harder it is to exist and thrive on the PGA Tour than the more comfortable LIV Golf league, then you're foisting a trust upon professional athletes that they will choose legacy and morals over wealth. Waugh watched all of this happen as an outsider looking in, and along with the three other major organizations, somewhat ironically, became the beneficiary of the biggest sea change this sport has seen in half a century. It might be these two leagues that duke it out for supremacy, or there might be 10 more that pop up, but LIV's presence is further diluting a professional game that already had 23 OWGR-sanctioned leagues all over the world. LIV is not going to fail, perhaps because it thrives but also perhaps because it was never built to succeed. One of the elements of the presentation that worked best was a countdown at the top left corner of the screen that informed viewers how many holes were left in the day at all times. Contrary to its slogan, you could blink and not miss a lot, but if you closed your eyes for a nap, you might miss most of the show. The PGL was emboldened, not embittered, by what took place at the Centurion Club on Thursday. For the PGA Tour to completely eschew drastic action -- either on its own or by partnering with the PGL because, uh, legacy is what guys play for (?) -- would be an indefensible position to take as golf heads into a new era. College basketball's March Madness is captivating in almost inexplicable ways following four months of trudging through -- at least compared to its professional counterpart -- one of the worst products of any televised sport.