News

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

Published

4 years ago

Apr 13, 2022

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

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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- Fan
  
  Apr 30, 2022 at 12:12 pm
  
  It will succeed and be good for all golfers. Touring professionals will thank Greg Norman later.
  
  Reply Report comment
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…..

Reply Report comment
- 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!
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Nuke the Revelers
    
    Apr 28, 2022 at 10:11 am
    
    Hey Don, you wont do ****.
    
    Reply Report comment
Jon Schenkel

Apr 15, 2022 at 11:49 am

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

Reply Report comment
- will
  
  Apr 16, 2022 at 8:10 pm
  
  It always makes me laugh to see someone in the west make comments about human rights..
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Joe
    
    Apr 19, 2022 at 3:59 pm
    
    Because you are clueless?
    
    Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - 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.
      
      Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Randall Flagg

Apr 15, 2022 at 10:22 am

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

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
Fiat Currency is Fake

Apr 14, 2022 at 5:43 pm

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

Reply Report comment
- Gerry T
  
  Apr 15, 2022 at 10:57 am
  
  Hmmmm…and your point is…your commeentyy appears to bee going poof!
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Happy Gilmore
  
  Apr 14, 2022 at 9:57 pm
  
  Journalism is dead.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Jack Nash
    
    Apr 15, 2022 at 10:55 am
    
    Remember libia? What happened then, which enabled eyesis.
    
    Reply Report comment
    - Michael
      
      Apr 15, 2022 at 11:41 am
      
      Dude, your ability to communicate in English is in serious need of help.
      
      Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
Holden Tudiks

Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 pm

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

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- Mike
  
  Apr 14, 2022 at 4:24 pm
  
  Petrodollars are US currency.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Bob
    
    Apr 14, 2022 at 5:46 pm
    
    You are exactly right, Mike. Brilliant!
    
    Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
RH Hernandez

Apr 13, 2022 at 8:00 pm

Maybe Rickie Fowler could make a cut over there…

Reply Report comment
- Gerry T
  
  Apr 15, 2022 at 10:50 am
  
  Maybe you could too! ??
  
  Reply Report comment
Tom Kay

Apr 13, 2022 at 7:12 pm

Big fish in small pond playing for huge prize pool.

Reply Report comment
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

Reply Report comment
- geohogan
  
  Apr 14, 2022 at 7:55 pm
  
  No one will watch and Norman will fail again.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Wise Grasshopper
    
    Apr 30, 2022 at 12:15 pm
    
    Patience little grasshopper….. things take time. This will succeed.
    
    Reply Report comment
- 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!
  
  Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
Whit Baker

Apr 13, 2022 at 4:05 pm

SCUM

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
- 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….
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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?
    
    Reply Report comment
- Don
  
  Apr 20, 2022 at 2:54 pm
  
  No kidding…the Saudi’s are rag top maggots.
  
  Reply Report comment
Tiger who

Apr 13, 2022 at 2:18 pm

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

Reply Report comment
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.”

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
- 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…
  
  Reply Report comment
- Hickman's Ghost
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 2:14 pm
  
  Underwhelming? Lol….
  
  I guess you didn’t get an invite, lol…
  
  Reply Report comment
- CG
  
  Apr 13, 2022 at 4:25 pm
  
  Another coward heard from.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - CG Cry Baby
    
    Apr 13, 2022 at 4:44 pm
    
    Whaaaaa!
    
    Reply Report comment
No Donkey?

Apr 13, 2022 at 11:00 am

No Donkey Kuch?

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

Reply Report comment

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

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News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase