July 2022 Ohio Golf Journal

Rumors began surfacing in the spring of 2021 about a new professional golf tour to be based in the Middle East that would invite the best players to compete in their events. Greg Norman was named the CEO of the newly formed LIV Invitational Golf Series with an initial investment of $200 million committed to form the new league. What has happened since that time is one of the most intriguing stories to ever be experienced in the world of professional golf. Innuendo, threats of banishment, plus over $2 billion eventually ponied up by the LIV to get their new venture up and running simply boggles the mind of the average golf fan. The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! We are accustomed to professional golfers being paid millions of dollars for winning a golf tournament, plus we know they make much more fromsponsorship agreementswith golf equipment, apparel and Fortune 500 corporations. We are, however, shocked at players receiving multimillion dollar guaranteed contracts, before they hit the first tee shot, or earn the first dime in an actual tournament. The PGA TOUR has prided itself over the years as a competitive tour where players must earn their spot via a progression through various minor tours to compete at the highest level. Players who do not make the 36-hole cut go home that week without a paycheck. The LIV Invitational Series is Ohio Golf Journal

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