PGA Tour players who made U-turn on LIV Golf millions and switched allegiances

Sep 15, 2024 07:00

Jon Rahm stunned the golf world with his decision to sign with LIV Golf last year (Image: Getty)

The allure of the LIV Golf's riches has been irresistible for many of golf's elite players. Since its inception in June 2022, backed by Saudi wealth, the league has dramatically altered the landscape of professional golf.

The PGA Tour has witnessed a mass exodus of talent, with stars such as Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka defecting to the new series. This illustrious group were initially vocal about their loyalty to the PGA Tour, only to later abandon it for the lucrative offers from LIV Golf. Express Sport takes a look at those who have switched sides to the controversial Saudi-backed circuit.

Bryson DeChambeau

Initially, the two-time U.S. Open winner dismissed rumours of his departure when he declared: "While there has been a lot of speculation surrounding my support for another tour, I want to make it very clear that as long as the best players in the world are playing the PGA Tour, so will I."

However, just four months on, DeChambeau was unveiled as a high-profile capture for LIV Golf, penning a deal reportedly worth a staggering $125million (£95million). Upon his signing, DeChambeau explained: "One of the things for me it was a personal business decision. For me I run and operate my golf as a business as well as wanting to be one of the better players in the world."

The 2024 U.S. Open champion initially pledged his allegiance to the PGA Tour (Image: Getty Images)Harold Varner III

The Akron native had openly dismissed any chance of joining LIV Golf after consulting with NBA icon and golf aficionado Michael Jordan. "I'm obviously not going. I've spoken with [PGA Tour commissioner] Jay [Monahan], I've spoken with a lot of people I look up to and it just wasn't worth it to me for what it was worth, that's pretty simple," Varner III said last year.

The 34-year-old also candidly expressed his dread of public backlash for reneging on his previous stance, confessing the difficulty of being a target of hate. "Who likes to be hated? It's terrible. I hate being hated. I'd rather not be - not even be known than be hated," he admitted.

Jon Rahm

In a move that sent shockwaves through the golfing world, Jon Rahm executed a dramatic U-turn from criticising LIV Golf's format to inking a staggering $350m (£266m) contract to join their ranks.

Addressing whispers about his departure from the PGA Tour, the Spaniard had previously scoffed: "I laugh when people rumour me with LIV Golf. I've never liked the format. Phil [Mickelson] respects my decision, and I respect his [choice]. He has told me that I have no reason to go play for LIV, and he has told me that multiple times."

Yet, only four months later, Rahm shocked the PGA fraternity by declaring his lucrative switch to the Saudi-backed league, claiming it to be the best choice for his family and himself.

Golf star Pat Perez was not one to mince his words when asked back in 2022 if he would be "getting on the Saudi train", dismissing the notion with a simple "f*** no" on his Instagram. Moreover, Perez expressed scepticism regarding the future of LIV Golf, commenting: "The biggest question is there's no guarantee with that tour.

"The PGA Tour's going to be around a long time. If 60 guys leave, there's going to be 60 more guys that come up and fill those spots." Yet, the American dramtically altered his stance after signing for the breakaway league, lashing out at accusations of sportswashing and highlighting hypocrisy elsewhere. He pointed out: "I know everybody's talking about sportswashing and all of that, but Jay [Monahan] goes everywhere on a G4 [private plane].

"What do you think that fing thing's filled up on? It's not solar. It's not a Tesla, last time I checked. It's gas. You think he's worried about the gas bill? I know they don't have their own fing oil field in Jacksonville."

Pat Perez was extremely against LIV Golf before signing for the league (Image: Getty Images) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Brooks Koepka

Once a stout defender of the PGA Tour, Brooks Koepka originally remarked on the temptation of joining LIV Golf: "Everyone talks about money. They've got enough of it. I don't see it [LIV] backing down; they can just double up and they'll figure it out. They'll get their guys. Somebody will sell out and go to it."

However, his tune changed as well following a lucrative proposition from LIV, summing up his shift succinctly upon signing: "Opinions change, man".

Cameron Smith

In March 2022, the Aussie golfer hailed the PGA Tour as the "pinnacle of golf" a statement that seemed to cement his commitment to the historic Tour. This came just months before he clinched victory at the Open Championship.

"I want to be competing against the best guys in the world, and if they're playing over here, then I want to be playing against them," Smith remarked.

Following his first major win, Smith's popularity and market value soared, leading him to secure a lucrative $120m (£91m) deal to join the new golf league. He openly acknowledged the financial lure of the offer: "[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won't ignore that or say that wasn't a reason. It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn't ignore," he confessed.

The two-time major champion jumped ship in 2022 (Image: Getty)Dustin Johnson

Another golfing heavyweight and two-time major winner, Dustin Johnson initially voiced his loyalty to the PGA Tour. However, Johnson later pivoted, signing a staggering $125m (£100m) contract with LIV Golf.

Speaking at the LIV Golf Centurion, Johnson reflected on his change of heart: "At that time I was committed to playing the PGA Tour. I'm very thankful for the PGA Tour and everything it's done for me. I've done pretty well out there for the last 15 years," he said.

Embracing the new chapter, he added: "This is something that I thought was best for me and my family, and I'm very excited about playing. Obviously this is the first week and yeah, it's something exciting. It's something new. Yeah, I think it's great for the game of golf. That's why I'm here."

Joaquin Neimann

The Chilean golf ace insisted in June 2022 there was "no chance" he would leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, as he said: "Nothing to tell from me [on LIV Golf]. I want to do my best to beat all these guys. They're still here and as long as they're here [PGA Tour], I'm not going anywhere. No chance."

Yet, Niemann's stance took a dramatic turn just two months later when he joined the Saudi-backed league, spurred on by the chance to lead Torque GC and the lucrative financial incentives, as he explained his decision: "The team aspect was the main thing that motivated me. Obviously financial, financially was nice, too. But bringing the team format out and being able to represent that team, being a captain I think is a new chapter of my life.

"I'm really excited about that, and do the best I can as I always try to do when I'm on the golf course and off the golf course. I just try to always be the best I can on everything."

Dustin Johnson signed a reported deal worth $125m (£100m) with LIV in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)Henrik Stenson

The Swedish golf legend couldn't hide his elation at being named Europe's Ryder Cup captain for last year as he expressed: "When I started out as a professional golfer, it was beyond my wildest dreams that, one day, I would follow in the footsteps of legends of the game such as Seve [Ballesteros] and be the European Ryder Cup captain".

The Swede's aspirations were shattered when he was confronted with a stark decision: maintain his captaincy or switch allegiance to LIV Golf. At 48, the seasoned golfer opted for the latter, citing not only the lucrative financial offer but also the quality of players joining him in his shift away from the PGA Tour.

Paul Casey

Known for his prior role as an ambassador for UNICEF, Paul Casey had openly discussed the moral consequences influencing his choice to avoid golf events in Saudi Arabia. His convictions were so strong that he went on record stating: "I would be a hypocrite if I did that. Anyone who says sport isn't political, that's rubbish. I'm glad I took a stance, more so if it highlighted the issues within the region especially next door in Yemen."

Despite his past statements, the British golfer signed up with LIV Golf in 2022 and at the time of his announcement, he explained his decision by saying: "But I can honestly look you in the eye and say that I see a trajectory, a positive trajectory in the kingdom, and it was a really good experience that I've had when I've been there, and I hope it continues."

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PGA Tour players who made U-turn on LIV Golf millions and switched allegiances