Golf 2022

[Kevin Dawson]

I suppose from Westwood and Poulter's point of view, a guaranteed, say, £20 million for playing 8 tournaments at this stage of their careers is a no-brainer. Someone like Richard Bland as well, being offered a couple of million up front, then with the prize money on offer ($120k per tournament for finishing last) sets him up for life.

[Gareth]

Westwood, Poulter & Garcia - maximum of one more Ryder Cup, unlikely to win any more majors so can see why they jump at the cash but to be so sniffy to journalists asking relevant questions is poor…same with Howe at Newcastle….you are the face of organisations who have got in bed with these people so expect to be questioned hard.

[cdbearsfan]

Bunch of parasites. Hope they all get banned from Majors and the Ryder Cup.

[PaulWinch again]

Westwood, Poulter & Garcia - maximum of one more Ryder Cup, unlikely to win any more majors so can see why they jump at the cash but to be so sniffy to journalists asking relevant questions is poor…same with Howe at Newcastle….you are the face of organisations who have got in bed with these people so expect to be questioned hard.

This is it. It’s their choice to take the money, from an appalling source, but as a consequence you’re going to face questions your character will be questioned. Don’t be bloody surprised.

[Villa Lew]

Agree with CD re bans, I see DeChambeau and Patrick Reed are the next expected to join up, neither will be a loss, Dustin Johnson is the only big name signed up and he's nearly 38 and probably coming towards the end of his career. Good to see no UK TV broadcasters are showing any live footage.

[UK Redsox]

I suppose from Westwood and Poulter's point of view, a guaranteed, say, £20 million for playing 8 tournaments at this stage of their careers is a no-brainer. Someone like Richard Bland as well, being offered a couple of million up front, then with the prize money on offer ($120k per tournament for finishing last) sets him up for life.

These are people who are already set up for life........unless they've been really shit at dealing with their money

Even Richard Bland is listed as having over $7m in tour earnings. A figure that probably doesn't include endorsements etc

[Kevin Dawson]

Oh, I agree, although once expenses / taxes are taken off, he's probably 'only' got a 4/5 bed detached / nice car / £1m in the bank. For Bland, I get it. The appearance money and prize money for a 48 year old journeyman will probably end up bein £4-5 million. Thing is though, the DP World Tour have held events in Saudi Arabia before, as well as China. Surely they can all sit down together and find some common ground? I'm amazed at the likes of DeChambeau and Fowler....both young, and despite their injuries / loss of form, are still likely to contend for majors over the next 10 years or so. I guess money really does talk. I wonder how much Greg Norman's getting for fronting this?

[Gareth]

If it keeps deChambeau away from majors then it’s not all bad….equally good that Mickelson who I’ve always thought was a smug, sly twat is showing himself up for the moron he is.

[UK Redsox]

deChambeau has jumped ship

[Gareth]

Result

[Villa Lew]

Swede Linn Grant wins the Scandinavian Mixed by 9 shots tournament to be the first woman to win on the DP World Tour.

[Villa Lew]

Good to have some good news to report in golf, Rory wins the Canadian Open, US Open next.

[Abbeyfealeavfc]

Swede Linn Grant wins the Scandinavian Mixed by 9 shots tournament to be the first woman to win on the DP World Tour.

A convincing win for her in the end that was never really in doubt from the end of day 3.

[Rotterdam]

I've got a freebie corporate pass to LIV Golf on saturday...I shall report back on the 'vibe'.

An interesting day.

My observations -
The event was pretty well organised considering that they had only settled on a venue 80 days earlier and hadn't got a broadcaster (albeit Youtube) until six weeks ago.
Lots to do in the 'fan village', which was pretty busy at 1130, even with a 1415 start.
Lack of marshalls, some people just ignoring the ropes and wandering around the course. Wouldn't happen at a big event/major championship.
The round still took over 5 hours with a shotgun start; this could be something to address.
DJ looked bored shitless.
Only the groups in contention had any excitement around them.
The team aspect needs revisited. Didn't feel like it worked, and scoring was confusing.
Only advertising on course was for the LIV tour and Centurion GC.
Patrick Reed was there on Saturday morning having flown on Friday night. No doubt to sign his paperwork.
Word is 'more big players to join'.

[Villa Lew]

US Open starts today at Brookline Boston, going to be interesting to see how the fans react to the 'Saudi' players. Following his win last week, Rory is the favourite and he was the last player to win the week before a Grand Slam and then go onto to win a major, PGA in 2014.

Rory 10/1, Thomas & Rahm 12, Scheffler 14, Smith 20, Cantlay and Schauffele 22. Best Brit Fitzpatrick 40 and best 'Saudi' Johnson 40.