After a long wrangling, US golf star Phil Mickelson will definitely be part of the new controversial tournament series with a total of 200 million dollars in prize money from Saudi Arabia.
The 51-year-old six-time Major winner confirmed via Twitter that he has inked a deal with LIV Golf Investments.
As early as Thursday he will compete in the first tournament of the series near London. “Lefty” Mickelson is said to be the driving force behind the series, which competes with the US professional organization PGA.
“I am ready to return to the game I love. After 32 years, this new path is a fresh start,” said Mickelson, who has not played since February.
Australian golf icon Greg Norman, chairman of the new tournament series, said: “Phil Mickelson is one of the greatest golfers of his generation. We’re lucky to have him.”
Martin Kaymer is also there
Previously, the once best German golfer Martin Kaymer had announced his participation in the “Saudi Tour”, which included other former major winners Dustin Johnson (USA), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel (both South Africa). has contracted.
The invitation tour organized by ex-professional Norman and financed with billions of dollars from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, starting June 9-11 near London, is dividing the golfing world.
The powerful PGA wants to ban players from the Saudi series from its tournaments, which include the four majors. That was what Commissioner Jay Monahan had announced.
The kick-off at Centurion Golf Club is endowed with prize money of 25 million dollars, which will be distributed among just 48 professionals. The game is played in just three days. Even the last one gets $120,000, and even the PGA Tour can’t keep up.