• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 8, 2025

LIV Players Finally Acknowledge Money in Decision to Join

  • The elephant in the room was addressed at introductory press conferences Wednesday.
  • Harold Varner III broke the financial ice with an Instagram post a day before.
Chris Trotman/LIV Golf via Getty Images

BOSTON — The elephant in the room at the LIV Golf Media Center was quickly escorted out of the building Wednesday.

During their introductory press conferences, new LIV golfers acknowledged the role money played in their decision to join the offshoot golf league.

“Yes, the money was a factor,” said Marc Leishman, adding that the ability to spend more time with his family was one of the biggest factors. “This was a great opportunity for me to play less golf but still be competitive, and on top of that, it’s a really big business opportunity.”

Cameron Smith — who was notoriously non-committal about joining LIV after he won The Open Championship in July — conceded on Wednesday that joining the Saudi-backed venture was a “business decision.”

Even Bubba Watson — who was one of the PGA Tour’s most popular players, taking home $3 million for ranking in the Player Impact Program’s top 10 — acknowledged that the finances of LIV were too good to pass up.

“I’ve done quite well on the PGA Tour. I’ve been able to support my family, build generational wealth,” he said. “And then coming here, obviously it’s more money than we’ve ever played for. I mean, 4 million to the winner, so obviously it’s about some money, too.”

Of course, the money wasn’t the only reason the players jumped: They cited more free time, the team format, and the ability to play to a younger demographic.

But the freedom to talk about the cash was a precedent set by Harold Varner III, who wrote a brutally honest Instagram post announcing his decision Tuesday.

“Not really sure the direction the Tour is going in, but the biggest thing for me was trying to take care of myself,” he said Wednesday. “I can only do what’s best for me at the time from the experience I’ve had as a kid and I’m actually super proud I made a decision based off of what I believe in.”

LIV players may have felt more empowered to speak their minds following a series of sweeping changes announced by the PGA Tour last week.

A set of elevated events within the FedEx Cup will now have an average purse of $20 million, and fully exempt players will be guaranteed $500,000 per year — even if they don’t play any events.

Additionally, Rory McIlroy took home a record $18 million for winning the Tour Championship and, in turn, the 2022 FedEx Cup.

He and Tiger Woods announced a virtual golf league known as TGL last week as well.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.
opinion

How Rory McIlroy Became Golf’s Lightning Rod

Is McIlroy a hypocrite for ripping fans after his own f-bombs?

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.