News
These 4 big names are reportedly set to be unveiled as Saudi League players
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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SuperStroke announced today its purchase of 100-year-old grip maker Lamkin Grips, citing the company’s “heritage of innovation and quality.”
“It is with pride and great gratitude that we announce Lamkin, a golf club grip brand with a 100-year history of breakthrough design and trusted products, is now a part of the SuperStroke brand,” says SuperStroke CEO Dean Dingman. “We have always had the utmost respect for how the Lamkin family has put the needs and benefits of the golfer first in their grip designs. If there is a grip company that is most aligned with SuperStroke’s commitment to uncompromised research, design, and development to put the most useful performance tools in the hands of golfers, Lamkin has been that brand. It is an honor to bring Lamkin’s wealth of product innovation into the SuperStroke family.”
Elver B. Lamkin founded the company in 1925 and produced golf’s first leather grips. The company had been family-owned and operated since that point, producing a wide array of styles, such as the iconic Crossline.
According to a press release, “The acquisition of Lamkin grows and diversifies SuperStroke’s proven and popular array of grip offerings with technology grounded in providing golfers optimal feel and performance through cutting-edge design and use of materials, surface texture and shape.”
CEO Bob Lamkin will stay on as a board member and will continue to be involved with the company.
“SuperStroke has become one of the most proven, well-operated, and pioneering brands in golf grips and we could not be more confident that the Lamkin legacy, brand, and technology is in the best of hands to continue to innovate and lead under the guidance of Dean Dingman and his remarkably capable team,” Lamkin said.
Related: Check out our 2014 conversation with Bob Lamkin, here: Bob Lamkin on the wrap grip reborn, 90 years of history
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Take it from a fellow who coaches high school golf in metro Toronto: there’s plenty of great golf played in the land of the maple leaf. All the greats have designed courses over the USA border: Colt, Whitman, Ross, Coore, Mackenzie, Doak, as well as the greatest of the land, Stanley Thompson. I’m partial to him, because he wore my middle name with grandeur. Enough about the architecture, because this week’s Tour Rundown begins with a newly-minted, Canadian champion on the PGA Tour. Something else that the great white north is known for, is weather. It impacted play on three of the world’s tours, forcing final-round cancellations on two of them.
It was an odd week in the golf world. The LPGA and the Korn Ferry were on a break, and only 13/15 of the rounds slated, were played. In the end, we have four champions to recognize, so let’s not delay any longer with minutiae about the game that we love. Let’s run it all down with this week’s Tour Rundown.
PGA Tour: TP takes TS at Byron’s place
The 1980s was a decade when a Canadian emergence was anticipated on the PGA Tour. It failed to materialize, but a path was carved for the next generation. Mike Weir captured the Masters in 2003, but no other countrymen joined him in his quest for PGA Tour conquest. 2024 may herald the long-awaited arrival of a Canadian squad of tour winners. Over the past few years, we’ve seen Nick Taylor break the fifty-plus year dearth of homebred champions at the Canadian Open, and players like Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners, Adam Svennson, and Mackenzie Hughes have etched their names into the PGA Tour’s annals of winners.
This week, Taylor Pendrith joined his mates with a one-shot win at TPC Craig Ranch, the home of the Byron Nelson Classic. Pendrith took a lead into the final round and, while the USA’s Jake Knapp faltered, held on for the slimmest of victories. Sweden’s Alex Noren posted six-under 65 on Sunday to move into third position, at 21-under par. Ben Kohles, a Texan, looked to break through for his first win in his home state. He took the lead from Pendrith at the 71st hole, on the strength of a second-consecutive birdie.
With victory in site, Kohles found a way to make bogey at the last, without submerging in the fronting water. His second shot was greenside, but he could not move his third to the putting surface. His fourth was five feet from par and a playoff, but his fifth failed to drop. Meanwhile, Pendrith was on the froghair in two, and calmly took two putts from 40 feet, for birdie. When Kohles missed for par, Pendrith had, at last, a PGA Tour title.
360° and in!
A nervy par save by @TaylorPendrith to remain one back as he seeks his first PGA TOUR victory @CJByronNelson. pic.twitter.com/LVFXUSidSg
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 5, 2024
DP World Tour: China Open in Otaegui’s hands after canceled day four
It wasn’t the fourth round that was canceled in Shenzhen, but the third. Rains came on Saturday to Hidden Grace Golf Club, ensuring that momentum would cease. Sunday would instead be akin to a motorsports restart, with no sense of who might claim victory. Sebastian Soderberg, the hottest golfer on the Asian Swing, held the lead, but he would slip to a 72 on Sunday, and tie for third with Paul Waring and Joel Girrbach. Italy’s Guido Migliozzi completed play in 67 strokes on day three, moving one shot past the triumvirate, to 17-under par.
It was Spain’s Adrian Otaegui who persevered the best and played the purest. Otaegui was clean on the day, with seven birdies for 65. Even when Migliozzi ceased the lead at the 10th, Otaegui remained calm. With everything on the line, Migliozzi made bogey at the par-five 17th, as his principal competitor finished in birdie. To the Italian’s credit, he bounced back with birdie at the last, to claim solo second. The victory was Otaegui’s fifth on the DP World Tour, and first since October of 2022.
.@adrianotaegui birdies the 16th to tie the lead at -17 ?#VolvoChinaOpen pic.twitter.com/p4tfE5DRJa
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) May 5, 2024
PGA Tour Americas: Quito’s rains gift title to Longbella
Across the world, superintendents and their staffs will do anything to prepare a course for play. Even after fierce, nightime rains, the Quito TG Club greeted the first four groups on Sunday. The rains worsened after 7 am, however, and the tour was forced to abort the final round of play. With scores reverting to Saturday’s numbers, Thomas Longbella’s one-shot advantage over Gunn Yang turned into a Tour Americas victory.
64 held the opening-day lead, and Longbella was not far off, with 66. Yang jumped to the top on day two, following a67 with 66. He posted 68 on day three, and anticipated a fierce, final-round duel for the title. As for Longbella, he fought off a ninth-hole bogey on Saturday with six birdies and a 17th-hole eagle. That rare bird proved to be the winning stroke, allowing Longbella to edge past Yang, and secure ultimate victory.
.@TBalla21 eagles 17, shoots 65 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the KIA Open. pic.twitter.com/TTOL2LxSdh
— PGA TOUR Americas (@PGATOURAmericas) May 4, 2024
PGA Tour Champions: Dunlap survives Saturday stumble for win
Scott Dunlap did not finish Saturday as well as he might have liked. After beginning play near Houston with 65, Dunlap made two bogeys in his final found holes on day two, to finish at nine-under par. Hot on his heels was Joe Durant, owner of a March 2024 win on PGA Tour Champions. Just behind Durant was Stuart Appleby, perhaps vibing from his Sunday 59 at Greenbrier on this day in 2010. Neither would have a chance to track Dunlap down.
The rains that have forced emergency responders into action, to save hundreds of lives in the metro Houston area, ended hopes for a third day of play at The Woodlands. Dunlap had won once previously on Tour Champions, in 2014 in Washington state. Ten years later, Dunlap was the fortunate recipient of a canceled final round, and his two days of play were enough to earn him TC victory number two.
Off the green? No worries for @ScottDu12500063
8-under solo leader @InsperityInvtnl pic.twitter.com/hoj5OujL5C
— PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) May 4, 2024
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Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Justin Thomas on the equipment choice of Scottie Scheffler that he thinks is ‘weird’
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Two star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
Report: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
Neal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
Taylor Pendrith’s winning WITB: 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson
Driver: Ping G430 LST (9 degrees) Buy here. Shaft: Accra TZ Six ST 3-wood: Ping G430 Max (15 degrees) Buy here....
Ben Kohles WITB 2024 (May)
Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Blue 6 X 3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees)...
Kris Kim WITB 2024 (May)
Kris Kim what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson. More photos from the event here....
Richy Werenski WITB 2024 (May)
Richy Werenski what’s in the bag accurate as of the CJ Cup Houston Open. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (10 degrees, D1...
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19th Hole2 weeks ago‘Absolutely crazy’ – Major champ lays into Patrick Cantlay over his decision on final hole of RBC Heritage
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19th Hole3 weeks agoReport: LIV Golf identifies latest star name they hope to sign to breakaway tour
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19th Hole3 weeks agoBrandel Chamblee has ‘no doubt’ who started the McIlroy/LIV rumor and why
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19th Hole1 week agoLET pro gives detailed financial breakdown of first week on tour…and the net result may shock you
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Equipment3 weeks agoJason Day on his recent switch into Srixon ZX5 and ZX7 Mk II irons
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19th Hole5 days agoGary Player claims this is what ‘completely ruined’ Tiger Woods’ career
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Whats in the Bag1 week agoTeam McIlowry (Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry) winning WITBs: 2024 Zurich Classic
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
Nuke the Revelers
Apr 28, 2022 at 10:11 am
Hey Don, you wont do ****.
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.
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.
Randall Flagg
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:22 am
I want names on the back of polos. “He Hate Me” is perfect for Phil.
Pingback: ‘A lot of Korn Ferry Tour players are going to get rich’ – KFT players flock to second Saudi event – GolfWRX
Birdies
Apr 14, 2022 at 9:54 pm
Bring on the new.
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!
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.
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.
Holden Tudiks
Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 pm
February…. didn’t care. March…. continued to not care. April…. still don’t give a ^%$#
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.
Mike
Apr 14, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Petrodollars are US currency.
Bob
Apr 14, 2022 at 5:46 pm
You are exactly right, Mike. Brilliant!
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.
RH Hernandez
Apr 13, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Maybe Rickie Fowler could make a cut over there…
Gerry T
Apr 15, 2022 at 10:50 am
Maybe you could too! ??
Tom Kay
Apr 13, 2022 at 7:12 pm
Big fish in small pond playing for huge prize pool.
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!
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.
Whit Baker
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:05 pm
SCUM
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.
Tiger who
Apr 13, 2022 at 2:18 pm
If they’re looking for more players you can sign me up.
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.”
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.
CG Cry Baby
Apr 13, 2022 at 4:44 pm
Whaaaaa!
No Donkey?
Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 am
No Donkey Kuch?
Kdouuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche, Kdouuuuuuuuuuche….