The PGA Tour has announced that the top players have assured of their commitment to the league, saying that they would play in at least 20 PGA events in a year. This news was followed by an increment in the prize money for 12 events in a move to match what is currently being offered by the LIV Golf Series.
The 12 events, which now have an elevated status, include the three FedExCup Playoffs, the Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Memorial Tournament, WGC-Dell Match Play Championship, and the Sentry Tournament of Champions. PGA Commissioner, Jay Monahan, said that the four other events would be named at a later date. Players would get to play around 20 events every season.
Monahan, who made the announcement on Wednesday, said that players would be free to add a minimum of 3 other PGA events to these 12 elevated events. All these moves are in a bid to counter players from leaving to the LIV Golf Series.
Speaking about the recent development, Monahan said in a press conference: “Our top players are firmly behind the Tour, helping us deliver an unmatched product to our fans, who will be all but guaranteed to see the best players competing against each other in 20 events or more throughout the season.
“This is an extraordinary and unprecedented commitment, a testament to who these guys are and what they believe in. To now have our top players rally around this organization and commit to a portfolio of tournaments like never before, I think our fans, our partners, and our players are going to love it. I promise you; there’s more to come.”
When asked if players who have left the PGA can return, Monahan said they would not be welcomed, “No. They’ve joined the LIV Golf Series, and they’ve made that commitment, and many have made a multi-year commitment.”
The PGA has shown that it is willing to put up a fight to counter the influence of the LIV Series, which has already snatched some top players in the league already.
Leon Osamor
