Three things, about LIV Golf, stick in the craw of many observers. First, is the over-the-top signing bonuses paid by LIV to lure PGA Tour stars. Fan-favorite Phil Mickelson reportedly received $200 million. The list includes Dustin Johnson ($125 million), Bryson DeChambeau ($125 million) and Sergio Garcia, who also banked $125 million, while British Open Champion Cameron Smith had to settle for $100 million. Not unsurprisingly those taking the LIV money were put on suspension by the PGA Tour losing their rights to compete, plus their status in the major championships is yet to be determined. Secondly, are the LIV tournaments real competition? Certainly, no one begrudges players winning huge sums because of their playing skill, but it would appear the line is drawn with payments based on reputation alone. Should LIV tournaments really be considered professional competition. The LIV events are closer to a series of exhibitions with limited 48-player fields and 54-hole no-cut tournaments. Plus, there is a team competition format inside each event that can assure some players big paydays even if they don’t play well. Pat Perez did not come close to a top ten finish on the LIV in 2022, but still finished in the top ten in total money earned because he benefitted from his teammate’s, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed and Talor Gooch, strong finishes, which paid Perez over $3 million in team payouts, giving him a total of $4 million for the season. Last season’s leading money earner on the PGA Tour, Scottie Scheffler, played in 25 events, won $14 million in total prize money, plus another $5.75 million from the FedEx Cup bonus pool, garnering just shy of $20 million. Rory McIlroy won $8.6 million in 16 events, but added the
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