According to some reports, the 2023 LIV golf season was a little different from the first.
Alan Shipnuck from the Firepit Collective reported that there was an effort to reduce some of the excessive expenses LIV Golf has paid and place the burden of travel and accommodation on the teams. Shipnuck reports that more prize money is being given to the teams and less to the individual competition.
Shipnuck spoke out about these changes to anonymous player.
“Some men thought their contracts were for 14 tournaments. There is no increase in their guaranteed money even if they play more tournaments. The players received their share of the team wins last year”–Pat Perez won $8 million despite finishing 32nd in the individual rankings. But this money now goes to the team. One guy said, “Why are we standing on top of each other spraying champagne at each other when we don’t get the money?” There is now talk that the LIV leadership wants to give more money to the team component. Again, the guys are guaranteed $20 million. You can see that there is quite a bit of discussion right now.
Shipnuck also commented on the differences in the amenities during LIV Golf Tucson last Wednesday.
“Indeed the most important barometer of press room lunches is the last year’s decadent buffets featuring hot entrees, a variety of desserts, but it was the same in Tucson with the same cold sandwiches, prepackaged cookies, and the same every day. Although it’s not the most important indicator, it can be indicative of greater belt tightening.
Kevin Na, Danny Lee’s teammate, won the individual competition. He isn’t concerned about how potential and existing changes might impact his bottom line. He called them “first world problems.”
He laughs and says, “It’s an expensive contract!” “I’ll need to ask my agent.” Na concludes the perfect moment in professional golf by saying, “There is an awful lot of money out there, and I already have a shitton.” You’ll win more if you play well. “I don’t care about the details.”
LIV Golf’s next event is in Orlando, the week before The Masters.
