What is the LIV Golf Series and how will it work?

How did this come about? Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in sport included them concentrating on golf, initially by way of single tournaments on present female and male excursions. This shortly advanced right into a profitable sequence, fronted by Greg Norman however strongly opposed by the PGA and DP World Excursions. This occasion is one among eight deliberate the world over in 2022 in a critical disruption plan.

Who has signed up? Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio García, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer are the largest names. Bryson DeChambeau has introduced that he will likely be taking part in the second occasion within the USA on the finish of June. The 48-man subject at this time consists of amateurs and 27 of the world’s prime 150.

Who hasn’t signed up? Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are the very best profile opponents of the LIV plan. Not one of the world’s prime 10 have any obvious curiosity in it.

Phil Mickelson drives on the fourth hole in the pro-am at the Centurion Club on Wednesday.
Phil Mickelson drives on the fourth gap within the pro-am on the Centurion Membership on Wednesday. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The Guardian

Why is it known as LIV Golf? This pertains to Roman numerals. Fifty 4 is the rating underneath par if each gap in an LIV event is a birdie. Every competitors is performed over three rounds, versus the 4 which can be customary on mainstream excursions.

What's the taking part in format? The overriding plan has been to supply a shorter and extra thrilling mannequin. Normal stroke play takes place over 54 holes however inside that comes a group component, presided over by a dozen captains. Gamers for these groups had been chosen at a draft social gathering on Tuesday night. The highest three groups will win prizes.

What's the prize cash? The winner will obtain $4m (£3.2m) from a $20m particular person pot. Second earns $2.125m with third gathering $1.5m. Final place is value $120,000. The profitable group will pocket $3m, break up evenly amongst 4, with $1.5m and $500,000 on supply for second and third respectively.

Why is it beginning on the Centurion Membership in Hertfordshire? LIV confronted the issue of discovering a UK venue able to internet hosting a event with crowds however with out ties to the DP World Tour. Centurion has beforehand staged the Aramco Group Collection, a Women European Tour occasion with sponsor hyperlinks to Saudi Arabia, however fell off the DP World Tour’s radar after the short-lived Golf Sixes competitors.

A view of the 13th hole at the Centurion Club.
A view of the thirteenth gap on the Centurion Membership. Photograph: Joe Maher/LIV Golf/Getty Pictures

What does a participant “resigning from a Tour” imply? Johnson and García have ended their relationship with the PGA Tour so they won't be eligible to function on that circuit. Many consider this can be a pre-emptive strike by gamers to keep away from any punishment the PGA Tour might hand out for violations of their guidelines by way of involvement with the LIV Collection.

What’s the impact of this on the majors and Ryder Cup? The majors, together with subsequent week’s US Open, stay unaffected. In idea, Johnson is not eligible for the Ryder Cup due to his resignation. Golfers hope these behind the biennial occasion will finally resolve it isn't value negatively affecting their product – by way of each gamers and captains – by ostracising LIV contributors.

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Why is it not on a recognised TV community within the UK? Sky has an in depth relationship with the PGA and DP World Excursions and due to this fact wouldn't contact this. Mainstream broadcasters within the UK have proven no current curiosity in golf. Fb and YouTube will as a substitute supply streaming providers.

What do golf’s conventional sponsors make of all of it? Some, corresponding to Royal Financial institution of Canada and UPS, have ended relationships with golfers due to participation within the LIV Collection. Gear and clothes manufacturers have caught by their males.

Will it's a hit? Nobody actually has a clue. Preliminary indicators are, if solely due to the wealth obtainable by way of Saudi’s Public Funding Fund, it won't go away shortly. Fascination surrounds whether or not gamers of a better calibre will be coaxed in direction of the sequence. And in that case, when. With out that, LIV could be thought to be a second-rate scene.

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