PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has accused the Saudi-back LIV Invitational Sequence of making an attempt to purchase the sport of golf after which went on the offensive, unveiling bigger purses, new events and a unique calendar.
Talking on Wednesday, Monahan conceded that the PGA Tour can not compete with the LIV Sequence relating to money however upped the ante asserting it might improve purses at eight events through the 2022-23 season to a median of $20 million ($A29m).
Backed to the tune of $250 million ($A361m) by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund, the LIV is providing purses of $25 million ($A36m) at seven-of-eight events and a $50 million ($A72m) million prize fund on the sequence finale to be performed in October at former US president Donald Trump’s property in Doral.
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“I am not naive. If this is an arms race and if the only weapons here are dollar bills, the PGA Tour can’t compete,” Monahan mentioned.
“The PGA Tour, an American institution, can’t compete with a foreign monarchy that is spending billions of dollars in an attempt to buy the game of golf.
“We welcome good, wholesome competitors.
“The LIV Saudi Golf League is not that. It’s an irrational threat; one not concerned with the return on investment or true growth of the game.”
Together with a bump in prize cash, Monahan additionally introduced a brand new three-event worldwide sequence within the fall for the highest players to be held in Europe, Asia and the Center East.
In 2024, the PGA Tour will return to a calendar 12 months schedule reasonably than the present mannequin that sees a season cut up over two years.
There will even be adjustments to the FedEx Cup playoff with a higher concentrate on the most effective players.
At present the highest 125 within the factors standing qualify for the primary playoff occasion however in 2023 that shall be lower to 70.
The highest 50 will advance to the second playoff occasion with the highest 30 qualifying for remaining at East Lake in Atlanta.
Monahan continued to level to the traditions and legacy that go together with taking part in on the PGA Tour.
He additionally reminded members that they don’t have to make apologies once they tee it up at a PGA Tour cease, whereas LIV golfers should defend their determination to take part in a sequence that critics say quantities to blatant ‘sportswashing’ by a nation attempting to enhance its popularity in mild of human rights issues.
“On the PGA Tour our members compete for the opportunity to add their names to history books, and, yes, significant financial benefits,” Monahan mentioned.
“We will ultimately come out of the current challenge stronger because of our loyalty and support of our players and fans, the best in the world, as well as our planned future growth.”
