NAPLES (Florida) — Billions in start-up money. $20 million purses. $4 million in winners’ checks
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund demonstrated that it was willing to do everything necessary to ensure its controversial LIV Golf Series gained traction.
The focus now shifts to a possible LIV Golf series for women, and whether a country that discriminates against women will be able to save some of the life-changing funds.
In July, the Palm Beach Post asked Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf, if he would consider introducing women’s golf to the company.
“One hundred percent. He said, “Drop the mic on it.” “We have had internal discussions about it, and the opportunity exists.”
LPGA golfers were captivated by this comment. Some are sending warning signals to LPGA golfers.
Spaniard Carlota Ciganda stated this week at the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club, “I think a lot women would go because there’s such a difference.” What would you do if they asked you to travel to Saudi Arabia and offered to pay $5 million? Would you choose to stay? Would you leave to take the money?
“I can understand both of these points. It doesn’t matter if it’s right, or wrong. While you may have political views, this is your job. If there’s an opportunity to go somewhere else, why not?
Madelene Sagstrom is a six year LPGA veteran from Sweden. She has noticed the rivalry LIV created in PGA Tour as well as the friction between those who left the tour and those who remained loyal.
Sagstrom doesn’t think the LPGA Tour can survive another conflict.
Sagstrom stated that the LPGA would have to deal with it differently than the PGA Tour. “We are a little more vulnerable, I would say.”
Madelene Sagstrom, Sweden, looks on during AIG Women’s Open Muirfield, Aug. 7, 2022 in Gullane (Scotland). (Photo by Octavio Pasos/Getty Images).
Karrie Webb, the seven time major winner, lives in Boynton Beach. She told Golfweek that she is concerned about a LIV women’s league. Webb was a child idolizing Norman, an Aussie. However, she has expressed her disappointment in her “childhood hero”.
Mollie Marcoux Samaan, LPGA commissioner, told the London Times that she would have a conversation with LIV if it meant promoting women’s golf. However, she added that there are many factors to consider before LPGA would do business.
Marcoux Samaan declined further speculation when asked about LIV’s entry into the women’s game of golf.
She said, “As a game steward we are just listening and learning.” We don’t know the intentions. “We’re just focused on ourselves.”
Golfers have been focusing on the LPGA, and specifically the $2,000,000 check for this week’s winner. The LPGA Tour’s money is significantly lower than the PGA Tour or LIV, which attracts the attention of many women.
LIV awarded $255 million in prizes and bonuses to eight events this year. This number will rise to $405 millions for 14 events next season. For a 47-event season in 2022-23, the PGA Tour prize purses will rise to $428.6 millions.
For 34 tournaments this year, the LPGA reached $90 million. The $7 million prize pool for the Tour Championship is included.
No. 15 Charley Hull from England believes that many of her peers would seriously think about a LIV invitation if it came with life-altering paychecks.
She said, “I believe maybe they would.” It would be difficult, but I think they might. If the LIV tour came along and offered something, it would be crazy not to take a look and contemplate it.
LIV Golf, to be rebranded as LIV Golf League in 2023 due to Saudi Arabia’s numerous human rights violations, has been heavily criticised. Women’s rights activists and political prisoners have reportedly been sexually assaulted, tortured and even killed in Saudi Arabian prison cells.
Women’s golf has already established ties with Saudi Arabia, unlike the men. Aramco, a Saudi Arabian oil and gas company, has partnered with the Ladies European Tour. The Aramco Team Series, which is supported by Saudi Arabia, takes place on three continents. LIV Golf’s team concept, which has been the most successful feature of its men’s series, is aligned with a team series.
The Aramco Saudi Ladies International presented By PIF will be held February 16-19 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City. It has a $5 Million purse, up from $1,000,000 in 2022.
Aramco sponsors several LPGA golfers, with some even promoting Golf Saudi through shirts and hats. Georgia Hall was ranked 31st worldwide and won the Aramco Saudi Ladies International last year. She stated this week that “a lot would matter” if LIV created a women’s league.
The final round of Aramco Series was won by Lexi Thompson from the USA. (Contributed photo)
She said, “Investors coming into like they are, putting money into golf in general and a good thing to women,” It will be interesting to see if LIV has a women’s tour.
Lexi Thompson won the final Aramco Team Series event of the 2022 season at Trump Golf Links Ferry Point, New York. Thompson’s relationship to Donald Trump may be a factor in her decision.
Thompson, No. Thompson, No. 7 in the world, hails from Delray Beach. He is a long-standing member of Trump International in West Palm Beach. Trump has partnered with LIV Golf, and there will be at least three LIV events at his properties next year.
Thompson and the current world No. 1 Nelly Korda from Sarasota was asked about a possible future marriage with LIV.
Thompson stated that Thompson had not said anything about “no opportunities” being offered to her or the tour. “It’s true that Mollie stated that she would have conversations, but that’s beyond our control. We’re doing the best we can for our tour.
Korda won in August the individual title at Sotogrande, Spain’s Aramco Team Series event.
She said, “My eyes are set upon the LPGA.” “That’s speculation to me. “I’m focused on the LPGA Tour and the next few weeks. With all the LIV stuff happening, it’s all speculation. I don’t pay attention to speculations.”
All eyes will now be on Norman and LIV Golf’s plans for the women.
