Just another week in the messy disruption effort by the Living Brand.
According to The Telegraph’s James Corrigan, four players of note have committed to the first LIV Golf event in London, including a "two-time major winner” that’s “in talks” with the group. Details have not been confirmed but Corrigan says the names are thought to “include Bubba Watson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Kevin Na."
Soon after, Watson randomly shared his schedule this week on Twitter for those looking to make summer plans. It did not include any Saudi events, suggesting Watson was refuting the story.
Corrigan quotes Norman as saying the Saudi-backed “League” is going forward with full purses no matter who shows up and hopes this creates a domino effect where top players see guys they can beat winning silly money. Interesting strategy!
Corrigan also quotes sources saying the Saudis and the charming Crown Prince are "willing to up the ante if needs be and lose” $3 billion over three years.
Since they gave Jared Kushner $2 billion to play with, I think we can believe them!
And most amazing of all, Norman suggested that the release of controversial comments by Phil Mickelson was "part of a conspiracy to derail the venture.” The Shark may have forgotten that Mickelson gave a disastrous interview in Saudi Arabia to John Huggan first, making the release of Alan Shipnuck’s book excerpt mere validation that Mickelson’s rhetoric had jumped to a new level of dark and deranged.
Mickelson has also not refuted the accuracy of either interview.
Norman said the group is looking at using the Name, Image, Likeness opening to pursue amateur golfers.
Norman, in an interview with SI.com/Morning Read, said for those who do not want to turn pro or have college eligibility, LIV Golf is working on Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deals that are now prevalent in college sports.
“I’ve always said from the outset I want to grow the game of golf the best way we possibly can for all levels,’’ said Norman, who is the commissioner of the LIV Golf Invitational Series and CEO of LIV Golf Investments. “I’ve been consistent with this. At the Shark Shootout (his team event in Naples, Florida), for 33 years I’ve tried to always invite a rookie, a younger player — Rickie Fowler, Matthew Wolff.
“It was to reach out to some kid to give him a chance to start experiencing something new. And we have every intention of doing that with this as well. Give them a pathway. Some of these guys are set to turn pro anyway, and this is an opportunity for them to experience something new.’’
Give them a chance to experience something new. Growing the game!
The revised amateur status rules do no appear to address such an endorsement deal to provide an advance. It’s both a clever move and utterly creepy since it could have leagues and tours pursuing deals with college golfers and even high schoolers.