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These 4 big names are reportedly set to be unveiled as Saudi League players

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There has been a major development in regards to the Saudi Golf League, according to a report in The Telegraph.

Per the report, Greg Norman, the league’s CEO, is set to announce some of the names that will be joining the controversial Saudi-backed league.

“We’ve respected the Masters and let it go off, but now our journey is finally coming to fruition —for the players, not for me,” Norman told the newspaper. “Their rightful place to have what they want. That’s why they are still very, very, very interested. We have players signed, contrary to the white noise you’re hearing out there.”

Norman alluded to the fact that it’s been widely reported that none of the game’s big stars have any interest in straying from the PGA Tour, but claims that isn’t the case.

“The interest level we’ve had… well, I had a player who’s won a couple of major championships sitting in my very office here 48 hours ago.”

Among the players expected to join are two-time Masters champ Bubba Watson, along with European Ryder Cup stars Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter and well as five-time tour winner Kevin Na.

There are expected to be more announcements of golfers joining the $225 million golf league in the coming weeks.

According to the report from The Telegraph, the Saudi league was prepared two months ago to reveal a list of players set to join that included Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson before Mickelson’s comments to Alan Shipnuck created major backlash.

Norman admitted that the fallout from the Mickelson comments that caused a handful of PGA Tour stars to publicly speak out against the Saudi League was a major blow.

“It was a kick in the teeth, there’s no question about it,” Norman told The Telegraph.

Norman also expects more players to join after seeing how much money is up for grabs and how little competition there may be to claim it.

“Quite honestly, it doesn’t matter who plays, we’re going to put the event on,” he said. “There’s a $4 million first prize. I hope a kid who’s 350th in the world wins. It’ll change his life, his family’s life. And then a few of our events will go by and the top players will see someone winning $6 million, $8 million, and say ‘enough is enough, I know I can beat these guys week in week out with my hands tied behind my back’.”

The first the eight-event tour is currently set to begin in two months at the Centurion Club in St. Albans with multiple U.S. stops as well, including at Trump Bedminster in New Jersey.

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53 Comments

  1. Bob

    May 12, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    Good for Jamal Khashoggi’s fiancée to speak out against the LIV Bonesaw Tour.

    This was NOT a mistake Greg. Making an example out of a journalist as a warning to other journalists is NOT a mistake. It is terrorism. Saudi Arabia was the country “officially” most directly connected to 911. What a coincidence.

    Satan is rubbing his hands staring at you, Greg.

  2. Truth Teller

    May 2, 2022 at 5:07 pm

    We have dropped Nuclear Bombs on a country. LOL When Obama was president he dropped 100,000 bombs on the middle east killing thousands upon thousands of innocents. Same thing with GW. Bush. But you think the Saudi’so are horrific for keeping their women in line and throwing the odd gay off a building. It’s nothing compared to what we have done.

  3. PJ

    Apr 26, 2022 at 8:27 am

    It’s funny to read all the comments and fake outrage about Saudi human rights when not a word is said about China who is #1 in the world when it comes to human rights abuses. If you are against Saudi for their human rights abuses I can only assume you don’t use Apple phones or wear Nike products, all of which are made in China. I’m not condoning what the Saudis do but China is worse yet no one says a word. Tiger wears Nike gear along with many other tour players. Has anyone said a word about that? Of course not because you are hypocrites. The new league will thrive because professional athletes compete for money. Love makes the world go round but money greases the wheel. That’s just how it goes.

  4. Dennis

    Apr 21, 2022 at 3:56 am

    The Saudis don‘t share our values, don‘t share our way of life. Why do they want to take part of it in sports?

  5. jgpl001

    Apr 21, 2022 at 3:55 am

    4 Big Names????
    OMG, you mean 4 washed up tour players who now struggle every week?
    I wouldn’t look a them if they were in my garden
    This utter nonsense will fail spectacularly

    • Fan

      Apr 30, 2022 at 12:12 pm

      It will succeed and be good for all golfers. Touring professionals will thank Greg Norman later.

  6. GMatt

    Apr 15, 2022 at 12:01 pm

    Free Market… If that’s where they want to play so be it. If you want to watch then watch, if not then turn the channel and watch something else. Just be cognizant of the REAL WORLD…Money Talks…..

    • Don

      Apr 20, 2022 at 2:50 pm

      It certainly is a free market. It is a shame that some people, who have ethical issues, would support the Saudi’s who are known as murders and human rights violators. Anything for the almighty dollar!

  7. Jon Schenkel

    Apr 15, 2022 at 11:49 am

    Hope Saudi collapses ! Does anybody care about human rights ? They obviously don’t ! . Good Luck ! ?

    • will

      Apr 16, 2022 at 8:10 pm

      It always makes me laugh to see someone in the west make comments about human rights..

      • Joe

        Apr 19, 2022 at 3:59 pm

        Because you are clueless?

      • JB

        Apr 20, 2022 at 1:03 pm

        Compared to Saudi Arabia and the middle East? Yes, we have a much better record on human rights.

        • Ryan

          Apr 25, 2022 at 3:48 pm

          We indiscriminately drop bombs on civilians around the
          world—including US citizens. We have torture sites around the world as well. Read a history book.

  8. Michael

    Apr 15, 2022 at 11:39 am

    It figures Trumpwhore is hosting an event in America.

    I wonder who will broadcast it. You know it won’t be CBS, NBC, ABC or ESPN. Fox most likely despite their previous full blown failure.

  9. Randall Flagg

    Apr 15, 2022 at 10:22 am

    I want names on the back of polos. “He Hate Me” is perfect for Phil.

  10. Pingback: ‘A lot of Korn Ferry Tour players are going to get rich’ – KFT players flock to second Saudi event – GolfWRX

  11. Birdies

    Apr 14, 2022 at 9:54 pm

    Bring on the new.

  12. Fiat Currency is Fake

    Apr 14, 2022 at 5:43 pm

    Saudis looking for bagholders for Federal Reserve Notes before they go poof.

    • Gerry T

      Apr 15, 2022 at 10:57 am

      Hmmmm…and your point is…your commeentyy appears to bee going poof!

  13. gurn

    Apr 14, 2022 at 4:35 pm

    This would be a great fit for Sabbatini and Angry Davis Love. Both get little joy from golf.

  14. JT Dare

    Apr 14, 2022 at 9:01 am

    After what the Saudis did to Kashoggi, no credible journalist should cover a shot of this so-called league.

    • Happy Gilmore

      Apr 14, 2022 at 9:57 pm

      Journalism is dead.

      • Jack Nash

        Apr 15, 2022 at 10:55 am

        Remember libia? What happened then, which enabled eyesis.

        • Michael

          Apr 15, 2022 at 11:41 am

          Dude, your ability to communicate in English is in serious need of help.

    • Gerry T

      Apr 15, 2022 at 10:56 am

      Our own PM Turdeau has been kissing Saudi arse, but this league’s survival won’t be based on your judgements.

  15. Holden Tudiks

    Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 pm

    February…. didn’t care. March…. continued to not care. April…. still don’t give a ^%$#

  16. Bob

    Apr 13, 2022 at 10:41 pm

    Saudis just trying to get rid of their Petrodollars onto a few bagholder golfers before they become worthless.

    LOL.

  17. Travis Bickle

    Apr 13, 2022 at 10:08 pm

    Who knows!?!? Ever heard of the WWF/WCW Monday Night war of the mid to late 90s? Well there might be a Sunday Night war for the PGA Tour/Saudi league.

  18. RH Hernandez

    Apr 13, 2022 at 8:00 pm

    Maybe Rickie Fowler could make a cut over there…

  19. Tom Kay

    Apr 13, 2022 at 7:12 pm

    Big fish in small pond playing for huge prize pool.

  20. David Hood

    Apr 13, 2022 at 5:16 pm

    It will be interesting to watch. I will be tuning in and as Norman says eventually it will gain traction. Money talks

    • geohogan

      Apr 14, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      No one will watch and Norman will fail again.

      • Wise Grasshopper

        Apr 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm

        Patience little grasshopper….. things take time. This will succeed.

    • Gerry T

      Apr 15, 2022 at 11:00 am

      I believe so too! Tim Finchem was too self-righteous to let this happen! Jealousy will get the PGA tour nowhere!

  21. More Golf Please

    Apr 13, 2022 at 4:52 pm

    These players are independent contractors and the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, R&A, and USGA, don’t have a monopoly on golf.

    If these players want to play the Asian Tour events, because at the end of the day that’s what they are, so be it. It doesn’t affect me one bit and it gives me more golf to watch.

    I didn’t see many complaints when Harold Varner won the “Saudi” event, so…..

    I’m all for these players to make all the money they can.

    If anyone can give me a reason why the tour and this league can coexist, I’m all ears.

    • Gerry T

      Apr 15, 2022 at 11:05 am

      Well said! I work for contracts as a security guard. No offers in recent months opened the door for me to return to golf course employment. Snooze, you lose.

  22. Whit Baker

    Apr 13, 2022 at 4:05 pm

    SCUM

  23. Ruth Anne Phillips

    Apr 13, 2022 at 3:36 pm

    Let’s hope the Saudis decide not to start hacking up golfers.

    If there’s a women’s league, I’m guessing they won’t be able to drive the golf carts and the skirts will be long enough as to not show ankles.

    But hey, maybe Jared Kushner can use some of 2 billion dollar Saudi investment to get Ivanka a gig as a female entrepreneur. They already gave her 100 million. Whatever happened to that?

    Seriously, I’m Pretty sure these guys are safe from reproach – we were able to overlook that most of the 911 highjackers came from and were funded by Saudi Arabia – so I’m pretty sure we can handle this.

    Greg Norman just wants a piece of that Saudi cash cow. Good for him. Maybe Russia will start a new league next.

    • El Culebrón

      Apr 13, 2022 at 5:22 pm

      Do you feel the same way about the LPGA playing in Saudi Arabia for “Saudi” money?

      Just asking….

      • Big Woman Ruthie

        Apr 13, 2022 at 10:58 pm

        But hey, maybe Hunter Biden can use some of billion dollar Ukraine investment to get his stripper baby mama a gig as a female entrepreneur. They already gave her 10% to the “Big Guy”. Whatever happened to that?

    • Don

      Apr 20, 2022 at 2:54 pm

      No kidding…the Saudi’s are rag top maggots.

  24. Tiger who

    Apr 13, 2022 at 2:18 pm

    If they’re looking for more players you can sign me up.

  25. aedeoiad

    Apr 13, 2022 at 1:21 pm

    Norman: “I have literally nothing of substance to say so here’s some complete bullshit I’ve made up.”

  26. ND Hickman

    Apr 13, 2022 at 12:12 pm

    We’ve had the underwhelming list of venues already, then we get an equally underwhelming leak of players who are ready to sign. How else can Greg bore me to tears?

    • Oh Hickman!

      Apr 13, 2022 at 2:12 pm

      I guess you didn’t get an invite?

      I’m sure you would have turned it down, lol…

    • Hickman's Ghost

      Apr 13, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      Underwhelming? Lol….

      I guess you didn’t get an invite, lol…

    • CG

      Apr 13, 2022 at 4:25 pm

      Another coward heard from.

  27. No Donkey?

    Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 am

    No Donkey Kuch?

    Kdouuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche….

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News

Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Friday morning, golf fans, may a bountiful weekend of golf be in store for you!

1. 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour

KFT staff report…”Frankie Capan III went crazy low Thursday on the Korn Ferry Tour. Nearly in record fashion.”

  • “Capan carded 13-under 58 in the opening round of the Veritex Bank Championship, matching the second lowest score in Korn Ferry Tour history. He fell one shy of Cristobal Del Solar’s record 57, set at the Astara Golf Championship presented by Mastercard earlier this year, but it was a heck of a show nonetheless.”
  • “The Minnesota native played an eight-hole stretch in 9-under Thursday, following an eagle at the par-5 ninth with seven straight birdies to begin the back nine at par-71 Texas Rangers Golf Club. He “cooled off” with a two-putt par at the long par-4 17th hole. He arrived at the par-5 18th hole at 13 under for the round, but he found a fairway bunker off the tee, laid up to 134 yards and missed his third shot left of the green. He chipped to 7 feet and drained the par putt to match the Korn Ferry Tour’s second-lowest score of 58, carded by Stephan Jaeger in the opening round of the 2016 Ellie Mae Classic at TPC Stonebrae.”
Full piece.

2. Team McIlowery starts strong

Paul Hodowanic for PGATour.com…”Late Thursday afternoon in New Orleans, Rory McIlroy rested his head on Shane Lowry’s shoulder.”

  • “It wasn’t the typical post-round moment, but this isn’t the typical event. McIlroy and Lowry teamed up for this week’s Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the PGA TOUR’s lone team event, and the all-Irish duo put on a show. Sporting matching pink-on-navy getups, McIlroy/Lowry opened in a best-ball 11-under 61 in Thursday’s Four-ball format at TPC Louisiana.”
  • “This partnership might have stemmed from a boozy brunch last fall, but their opening-round performance at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans gave the field a sobering reminder: They’ll be tough to top.”
Full piece.

3. LPGA Tour: Grace Kim in front

AP report…”Grace Kim shot a 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club to take the first-round lead Thursday in the LPGA Tour’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”

  • “Playing in the morning session, the 23-year-old Australian capped her bogey-free round with a chip-in birdie on the par-3 18th.”
  • “Well, I chunked my tee shot on the last hole 20 meters short and then I chipped it in it,” Kim said. “I think that’s pretty cool, in front of everyone
Full piece.

4. McIlroy on rejoining policy board

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Rory McIlroy said Wednesday that he is willing to rejoin the PGA Tour policy board if the other player directors want him.”

  • “As first reported by the Guardian, Webb Simpson has submitted a letter stating that he’d like to resign from the board, but only if his vacant seat is filled by McIlroy, who stepped down last fall because of the toll it had taken on him professionally and personally.”
  • “Five months later, what has changed?”
  • “I think I can be helpful,” McIlroy said Wednesday ahead of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he is partnering with Shane Lowry. “I don’t think there’s been much progress made in the last eight months, and I was hopeful that there would be. I think I could be helpful to the process. But only if people want me involved, I guess.”
Full piece.

5. Charlie Woods shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier

Golfweek’s Cameron Jourdan…”Charlie Woods is going to have to wait to play in the U.S. Open.”

“The 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods played Thursday in local qualifying for the United States Golf Association’s national championship, set for June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. Charlie played at The Legacy Golf & Tennis Club in Port St. Lucie, Florida, and he shot 9-over 81.”

“Charlie’s round featured a bogey on his opening hole, the par-4 first. He then doubled the par-5 second. A pair of pars followed before his lone birdie on the front, but another double the next hole, the par-4 sixth, had him turn in 4-over 40.”

Full piece.

6. Photos from the Zurich Classic

GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

Check out all our photos at the link below!

Full piece.
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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

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GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.

As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.

Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.

General Albums

WITB Albums

Pullout Albums

See what GolfWRXers are saying about our photos from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in the forums.

 

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Morning 9: Tiger’s TGL teammates | Woosnam’s criticism of Cantlay | Rory’s return to tour policy board

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By Ben Alberstadt with Gianni Magliocco.

For comments: [email protected]

Good Tuesday morning, golf fans, as the PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic.

1. 15-year-old finishes top 20 on KFT

Jay Coffin for Golf Digest…”During a week when most eyes were on Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, the 15-year-old lefty finished off an incredible week with a five-under 66 in the final round of the Korn Ferry Tour’s LECOM Suncoast Classic at Lakewood Ranch in Florida.”

  • “After opening with 68-66-70, Russell finished at 14-under-par total to tie for 20th place. The finish in which he jumped 28 positions on the leaderboard on the final day, gives him an exemption into next week’s Veritex Bank Championship at Rangers Park in Arlington, Texas. He’s the youngest player to finish inside the top 20 on the PGA of Korn Ferry tours, according to records that go back to 1983.”
Full piece.

2. Understandably, Nelly WDs

Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner…”Nelly Korda’s bid for a record-setting sixth consecutive win will have to wait a few weeks.”

  • “A day after capturing the Chevron Championship during a marathon final round in Houston, Korda announced on social media that she was withdrawing from this week’s JM Eagle LA Championship.”
  • “It was not an easy decision,” she wrote. “After the unbelievable week at the Chevron and grinding through the mental and physical challenges of four events in the past five weeks, I am definitely feeling exhausted. With so much still to come throughout 2024, I feel I need to listen to my body and get some rest, so I can be ready for the remainder of the season.”
Full piece.

3. Scheffler’s impressive No. 1 feat

Golf Channel’s Brentley Romine…”After Scheffler’s victory Monday morning at the RBC Heritage, Scheffler upped his points average to 15.016 and increased his advantage in the Official World Golf Ranking over No. 2 Rory McIlroy to more than double McIlroy’s 7.365 average, meaning Scheffler is ranked further ahead of No. 2 than No. 2 is ahead of the last-ranked player.”

  • “The last time a No. 1 player had a greater points average was Woods, who was at 15.4564 on Dec. 6, 2009. But Woods was less than seven average points ahead of No. 2 Phil Mickelson at the time. Earlier that year, Woods was 7.735 ahead of Mickelson, which is the last time the gap between Nos. 1 and 2 was greater than Scheffler’s current 7.651 advantage.”
Full piece.

4. Zurich field notes

PGATour.com’s Adam Stanley…”Rory McIlroy will make his tournament debut alongside good pal, Ryder Cup teammate, and Irishman Shane Lowry – a duo that was firmed up during a celebratory lunch after the Ryder Cup last fall… Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele will try to reprise their 2022 win here. Cantlay and Schauffele have both the Foursomes and Four-ball scoring records at this event… Davis Riley and Nick Hardy will defend their 2023 title. No team has gone back-to-back… Three sets of brothers (and two sets of twins!) will play together with twins Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard and Parker and Pierceson Coody in the field along with Alex and Matt Fitzpatrick. Alex Fitzpatrick and Rasmus Højgaard are sponsor invites…”

  • “Billy Horschel, who won last week at the Corales Puntacana Championship, will be without his previous partner Sam Burns, as Burns and his wife are expecting their first child any day. Horschel will instead be paired with fellow University of Florida alum Tyson Alexander. Horschel has won the Zurich Classic when it was both an individual and team event… Other notable pairings include Collin Morikawa and Kurt Kitayama, Sahith Theegala and Will Zalatoris, and Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. The Canadian duo finished runner-up a year ago and would like nothing more than to show Presidents Cup International Team captain Mike Weir how well they play together… Steve Stricker will play his second TOUR event this season (after earning his way into THE PLAYERS Championship), teaming up with Matt Kuchar.”
Full piece.

5. Tiger’s teammates

Field Level Media report…”Tiger Woods announced Monday that Max Homa, Tom Kim and Kevin Kisner have joined his Jupiter Links GC TGL team.”

  • “The virtual golf league headed by Woods and Rory McIlroy will begin its inaugural season next January. Woods also unveiled the team’s logo.”
  • “I have already shared my excitement and optimism for TGL as a league and product,” said Woods. “Now that we have finalized our roster with a team of world-class golfers, I am even more confident that this group will proudly represent the Jupiter (Fla.) area and connect with our fans for years to come.”
Full piece.

6. Woosnam questions Cantlay’s decision

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After the horn sounded to suspend play due to darkness, Cantlay, who’s ball was in the fairway on the 18th hole, had a decision to make. With over 200 yards into the green and extreme winds working against the shot, conventional wisdom would be to wait until Monday morning to hit the shot.”

  • “On the other hand, if he could finish the hole, he may just want to get the event over with so he could get out of Hilton Head.”
  • “Curiously, Cantlay chose neither of those options. After hitting 3-wood into the green, and still coming up short, the former FedEx Cup champion chose to mark his ball and chip and putt on Monday morning.”
  • “Ian Woosnam, who was watching from home, took to X to give his thoughts on Cantlay’s decision making.”
  • “Cantlay would end up getting up and down for par when play resumed at 8:00 am Monday morning.”
Full piece.

7. JT on Scheffler’s “weird” equipment choice

Our Matt Vincenzi…”After Justin Thomas’ third round of the RBC Heritage, the two-time major champion went in the broadcast booth alongside the CBS crew.”

  • “While Thomas was watching Scottie Scheffler play on the back nine of his third round, he wondered aloud why Scottie uses high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Does anybody else think it’s weird that Scottie uses high numbers? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen an elite player use high-numbered golf balls.”
  • “Amanda Balionis who was on the grounds chimed in, reporting that analyst Dottie Pepper had wondered the same thing earlier that day.”
  • “I’ve been going about this wrong my whole life,” Thomas jokingly said.
Full piece.

8. Rory to rejoin PGA Tour policy board

Mark Schlabach for ESPN…”Four-time major championship winner Rory McIlroy is poised to return to the PGA Tour’s policy board, pending a vote by the board, which could come as early as this week, sources confirmed to ESPN on Tuesday.”

  • “One of the PGA Tour’s most vocal supporters during its three-year battle with LIV Golf, McIlroy abruptly resigned as a player director on the tour’s influential policy board in November.”
  • “He is expected to replace policy board player director Webb Simpson, who intends to step away before his two-year term expires in 2025.”
Full piece.

9. Weir names Presidents Cup assistants

PGA Tour report…”International Team Captain Mike Weir announced Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, Geoff Ogilvy and Camilo Villegas as captain’s assistants for the 2024 Presidents Cup, which will be played at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Canada, Sept. 24-29.

Full piece.
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