Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Ore., Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (N.J.), The International in Bolton, Mass., and Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. are set to host events in the LIV Golf Invitational Series, which is launching in June.
The much-discussed Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series is set to launch in June with four clubs in the United States—Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Ore., Trump National Golf Club Bedminster (N.J.), The International in Bolton, Mass., and Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill.—set to host events.
Centurion Golf Club in London, England will host the inaugural event, with Stonehill Golf Club in Bangkok, Thailand and Royal Greens Golf Club in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia following the four American tournaments. A team championship is scheduled to conclude the season in October.
The schedule will not compete with the majors, international team events or heritage events so players, who are independent contractors, will always be able to make their own choices about where to play. The PGA Tour has indicated that players could face a lifetime ban if they choose to play in a competing league.
The eight-event series will showcase an innovative new golf format featuring teams playing for more than $250 million in prize purses. LIV Golf Investments is providing more than $400 million in seed money to launch the series, which will be the building blocks of a next generation golf experience.
Each event will consist of three rounds with 54 holes and no cut, as well as shotgun starts to ensure a faster and more exciting pace. As a result, players will consistently play head-to-head against their rivals throughout the year, providing fans with an unmatched experience.
Fan research indicates a significant number of new fans would be enticed by a faster paced and shorter variation and non-traditional format of play. With smaller fields, fewer rounds, fewer events, shorter playing windows and modified shotgun starts, these events have been designed with fans as the top priority.
“I want golf to grow, players to have additional opportunities, and fans to have more fun. My mission is to help the game reach its full potential and we know the role of golf as an entertainment product is critical to overall participation in the sport,” said Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments. “In many ways, we are a start-up. We have a long-term vision and aim to grow. I believe we have a very bright and exciting future.”
Team golf is at the heart of the new structure. In year one, there will be a max of 48 players on 12 four-man teams and a global field with golfers invited from all tours around the world to beta test the new format. Each event will have teams comprised of different players determined by a draft the week of the event.
“Our events are truly additive to the world of golf. We have done our best to create a schedule that allows players to play elsewhere, while still participating in our events. I believe players will increasingly make progress in achieving their right to play where they want. We will help in any way possible and will provide golfers with opportunities to achieve their full potential,” said Norman.
Total prize purse for the eight events will reach $255 million. The first seven regular season events will carry a total purse of $25 million comprised of $20 million in individual prizes (all players in the field earn a share) and $5MM for the top three teams. Following the first seven events, an individual champion will be crowned offering a total purse of $30 million for the top three individuals of the season. The season-ending eighth event will be a Team Championship that will provide $50 million in total prize funds.
The LIV Golf Invitational 2022 schedule will visit the following dates and locations:
June 9 – 11: Centurion Golf Club – London
July 1 – 3: Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club – Portland
July 29 – 31: Trump National Golf Club Bedminster – New Jersey
Sept 2 – 4: The International – Boston
Sept 16 – 18: Rich Harvest Farms – Chicago
Oct 7 – 9: Stonehill Golf Club – Bangkok
Oct 14 – 16: Royal Greens Golf Club – Jeddah
Oct 28 – 30: Team Championship
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