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In the tournament commencing today in Jeddah, Anthony Kim will debut on the LIV Golf, approximately twelve years after his last appearance on the PGA Tour. The return of the American player has naturally drawn the attention of the specialized press, and among the news and comments, one of the highlights is undoubtedly the amount of the contract recognized by the Saudi League to Kim, which, according to the Mirror, amounts to $7.5 million.
Liv Golf, salaries
But what about the earnings linked to the three-year contracts of the top players in the LIV Golf? Phil Mickelson – $200 million He is undoubtedly the most representative player of the group that signed with Greg Norman in the first year of the LIV.
From being a symbol of the PGA Tour, he has transitioned to being the promoter of the Saudi League, paying for his choice with a barrage of criticism, which led him to step away from the spotlight for a certain period. The details of the contract have never been confirmed by the Californian, who stated: “I believe that contract agreements should remain a private matter.” Dustin Johnson – $125 million Some claim that the final figure reached $150 million.
Johnson has always been very direct about his choice: “My decision to join the LIV is linked to the offer they made me.” “If someone offered you a job where you have to do what you already do but spend less time in the office and get paid more, I’m sure you would accept it.” “If you didn’t, it means there’s something wrong.” Brooks Koepka – $130 million He too was sincere, confirming the figure: “Look, I’ll be honest with you, I signed for the money.” Koepka is the player who still represents the bridge with the PGA Tour, having been part of Team USA at the Ryder Cup triumphantly won by Team Europe in Rome.
Sergio Garcia – $40 million The Spaniard has always been sparing with words about his contract, both in public and in private. “I did it because I think this is the future of golf,” was his only statement. As we know, Garcia is now intending to return to the DP World Tour, with the aim of rejoining Team Europe at the next Ryder Cup.
Ian James Poulter – between $20 and $30 million The figure is not certain. In response to a direct question from a journalist, Poulter responded quite coldly: “It’s none of your business.” “And anyway, that’s not the figure that was reported.
People love to exaggerate… like when they talk about the fish they caught.” Cameron Smith – $143 million Even for the Australian, the figure, as reported by The Guardian, is unconfirmed. The only comment from the 2022 Open Champion was still honest: “I don’t intend to ignore the matter or say that wasn’t the reason.” “It was a business matter, an offer I couldn’t ignore.” You already know everything about Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adrian Meronk, as they are the most recent additions.
The players who have signed with the LIV Golf are accused of greed and a lack of spirit of the game, and given the figures we have seen, this is understandable. But one must not fall into banality. Alan Shipnuck’s book clearly indicates that money is equally important in all professional tours.
