• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 2025

PGA Tour Member Could Be First Heading To Rival Saudi League

PGA-Tour
Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Garrigus could be the first PGA Tour member to play in the controversial Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational — if he’s approved.

Garrigus, who has one PGA Tour win under his belt, has reportedly requested a release from the organization to play in the London tournament, a requirement for all overseas competitions. More golfers are expected to do the same, but as of Tuesday, Garrigus was the only player who has.

Players must request the release at least 45 days before the first round, and the Tour is required to make a decision at least 30 days prior to the event.

  • The LIV Golf Invitational is scheduled for June 9-11. 
  • Players are required to submit requests by April 25, and the Tour must decide by May 10.  

LIV Golf, an organization backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, has announced seven other events this year. Each of the eight tournaments will offer $25 million purses, with the winner receiving $4 million.

Since his last top-10 finish in 2018, Garrigus has reportedly earned around $320,000, with total PGA Tour earnings reaching $14.9 million.

Still Controversial

Saudi Arabia has been in hot water for alleged human rights abuses including unlawful killings, forced disappearances, torture, arbitrary arrest, and more. Some have accused the country of “sportswashing,” or using sports to distract from such abuses.

The country’s sovereign wealth fund previously tried to launch a rival tour, but top players refused to join, leading it to focus on independent tournaments instead.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

exclusive

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.
Manchester City

Manchester City Pockets $50 Million for Early Club World Cup Elimination

Saudi side Al-Hilal will bank at least $35 million in its quarterfinal run.

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
NFL

30 NFL Second Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.
Sinner
July 11, 2025

ESPN Gets Dream Alcaraz-Sinner Rematch in Wimbledon Final

The pair have won the last six men’s majors.
July 11, 2025

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Apr 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Katie Taylor (left) and Amanda Serrano (right) pose in front of Jake Paul during a press conference ahead of their boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
July 11, 2025

Serrano vs. Taylor 3 Set to Be Biggest Women’s Boxing Match in..

“I’m just sick of the whining and complaining from your team.”
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center.
July 11, 2025

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks, New Balance Debut in Win Over Bronny

Thursday marked Flagg’s first game donning New Balance shoes.
July 10, 2025

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”