Anyone who thought the LIV Golf Invitational would not last beyond this year is in for a big surprise as the organisers have announced a 14-event league in 2023 with a prize fund of $450 million. This is $200 million more than they are spending this year.
The announcement came just a day before their third Event of the year, which holds in New Jersey, United States.
Part of the attraction of the LIV Golf Invitational has been the money they have to spend. This is why top players like Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson have left the PGA Tour for the Saudi-backed league, despite the implications and controversy. And it is obvious the organisers of the new league understand how much weight they can pull by pouring in lots of money, hence the increase in the prize fund.
This season of the league has just 11 events, but three more would be added next year. Although there are no specifics yet about the date and venue of the events, the LIV revealed they could spread to as much as five continents, including Asia and Australia. They would also maintain the same format of 48 players split into four teams with 12 players each.
Speaking on the development, former golf pro and front for the LIV Golf Invitational, Greg Norman, mentioned a new Team World Championship, which would come at the end of every season: “Each season will culminate in a Team World Championship match play grand finale.” This year’s Team World Championship is a $50 million dollar game; the most money dropped on a single tournament in the history of the sport.
Norman also mentioned that the LIV “will not compete with the Majors, international team events or heritage events.” He also said, “LIV Golf’s expanding global platform will add a new dimension to the golf ecosystem as we know it, one that provides an opportunity for players and fans around the world to help maximise our beloved sport’s true potential.”
If this season has taught us anything, it is that we can only expect the LIV to grow. How fast that would happen is another question, but the league looks like it has what it takes to be a major disruptor.
Written by: Leon Osamor
