What is the LIV Golf Invitational Series and why is it so controversial?

The LIV golf sequence formally will get underway right now in St Albans (Image: Getty)

Following months of controversy, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Sequence will get underway this week simply outdoors London. Right here we clarify all about golf’s breakaway tour.

What's the LIV Golf Invitational Sequence?

The LIV Golf Invitational Sequence is a brand new tour supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Funding Fund. The opening occasion shall be hosted on the Centurion Membership in St Albans on Thursday.

In the meantime, seven different tournaments are scheduled for later this yr, going down throughout the USA and Asia.

Who's enjoying?

Regardless of LIV Golf’s occasions not being recognised by the Official World Golf Rankings, the likes of Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have dedicated to play, including Ryder Cup stardom to the sequence.

Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell has joined the insurgent tour (Image: Getty)

Former PGA Tour stars Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson will headline the tour, with previous main champions Louis Oosthuizen, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell additionally within the area in Hertfordshire.

How a lot cash is on provide?

The opening occasion will boast a prize fund of almost £20million with over £3m for the champion.

With no cuts, every participant shall be assured just below £100,000 for competing in a match with round £24m shared for the highest three finest performers over the whole eight-event season.

Throughout 2022, the tour’s complete prize cash shall be over £200m with the final occasion of the season, a Group Championship, containing a prize fund of underneath £40m.

Why is it controversial?

With the Public Funding Fund being the sovereign wealth of the Saudi state, LIV Golf has been accused of aiding sports activities washing.

Saudi Arabia have a poor file on human rights towards the LGBTQ neighborhood and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was discovered by the CIA to have ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

Greg Norman, LIV Golf’s frontman, has argued the Saudis are attempting to vary their methods (Image: Getty)

What are the foundations?

A 48-man area will compete towards one another over 54 holes relatively than the standard 72.

There shall be no reduce, with the participant who secures the bottom rating after three rounds rendered the winner.

Alongside the person competitors, there shall be a group occasion operating on the similar time wherein eight groups of 4 golfers — which shall be composed by nominated captains — contest one other prize.

Quite than gamers teeing off in pairs from holes No.1 and No.10, teams will start their rounds on the similar time throughout all 18 holes in an effort to hurry up play.

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