The first edition of the LIV Golf Invitational Series came to a close this weekend, but rumors of more top players joining the controversial league have not died down.
The Saudi-backed league aims to strengthen its field for the upcoming season by attracting more top-tier players with big deals and prize money.
In that sense, according to a report by The Guardian, the number 4 in the world, Patrick Cantlay and the number 4 in the world. 6, Xander Schauffele, leading the latest group LIV Golf is targeting.
While LIV Golf Chairman Atul Khosla declined to reveal specific names, he did confirm that they are on track to introduce the 2023 rooster in late November.
Unlike the eight-event format that followed this year, the upcoming LIV Golf season will host 14 events focused on team competitions. Next season, players will compete for $405 million in prize money. This is an escalation of $150 million compared to the $255 million in prize money on offer this season.
“We are in the middle of talks,” Khosla said of the transfers.
“We will finish it this year. We want teams locked in for the new year. It will unfold in the coming months,” he continued.
Mito Pereira, currently No. 45 in the world ranking, and Thomas Pieters, who is No. 37 in the world ranking, are the two players in the group likely to join LIV Golf. However, Cantlay and Schauffele are the most likely targets and if LIV manages to bring them on board, it would be a huge blow to their rivals, the PGA Tour.
LIV rumors of Cantlay and Xander are really strong in Miami, along with 2 other potential players in the top 20 and others. LIV needs more depth next season and it looks like it’s coming…
LIV rumors of Cantlay and Xander are really strong in Miami, along with 2 other potential players in the top 20 and others. LIV needs more depth next season and it looks like it’s coming…
While Cantlay is an eight-time PGA Tour winner and a 2021 FedEx Cup winner, Schauffele is a seven-time PGA Tour winner. Consequently, if they join the controversial league, they will be banned from the PGA Tour and the Rhyders Cup.
Previously, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Cameron Smith were among the best PGA Tour players to join the controversial league.
LIV Golf is working hard to secure transfer deals for next season
Despite its unique format and compelling player base, coverage of the LIV series has been limited to its own website and YouTube channel. This had a significant impact on the audience. However, the team is now working to secure a television deal for the league and bring on additional sponsors and corporate partners.
In this regard, Khosla said:
“On the US front, we’re back and forth with some other networks.”
He went on to say:
“I feel good where we are, but we have a lot to do in the next few months. We think we are offering an amazing business product. These are not six-month or one-year contracts, if a television station is behind it, it is for several years.
“We need to start marketing the product. We need to be on television, we need corporate partners. These are milestones we must reach.”
Khosla also spoke about the fact that the LIV events are not part of the official world golf ranking. He said:
“We think we deserve the points. Clearly, also with our alliance with the Mena Tour, we absolutely deserve the points.”
Greg Norman: “As we look ahead to 2023 and beyond and learn about the energy and passion these guys have for the franchise, for their team and for what they do, next year is going to be explosive.”
eu.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/2…
Greg Norman: “As we look ahead to 2023 and beyond and learn about the energy and passion these guys have for the franchise, for their team and for what they do, next year is going to be explosive.” eu.palmbeachpost.com/story/sports/2…
With signings, broadcast deals, bigger prize money and an expanded 14-event series focused on team competitions, the upcoming LIV Golf season looks set to feature some significant and exciting changes. The next edition is reportedly scheduled to start in February next year.
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