The controversial series LIV Golf has committed another star. As confirmed by two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson from the USA, he will play on the invitation tour financed by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
However, the 43-year-old former world number two will probably not celebrate his comeback after knee surgery until next year.
“Bubba Watson is an outstanding addition to LIV Golf, a true champion on the growing list of stars,” said Greg Norman, golf icon and LIV CEO, on the sidelines of the third tournament of the series at Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. According to a report by the Telegraph, Watson will receive a $50 million bounty for his involvement with the series.
Add to that the horrendous prize money. The LIV opening tournament in London was endowed with 25 million dollars. There has never been so much money at any PGA event. Overall, the LIV Tour lures in eight tournaments this year with an incredible total prize money of 250 million dollars.
Before Watson, stars such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and the two-time German major champion Martin Kaymer had joined the LIV tour – despite the human rights violations in Saudi Arabia that had been denounced by many. The defectors were then expelled from the PGA. The PGA, previously the market leader, has decided on far-reaching reforms in response to the new competition and will, among other things, pay higher prize money.