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<\/p>\nThe Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) has become a major player in sports, and professional golf in particular.<\/p>\n
They've thrown their financial weight behind the LIV Golf setup, propelling it to the top of the golfing world. Despite attempts by the PGA Tour to halt its progress, the Saudi-backed league has managed to attract some of the biggest names in golf with hefty signing bonuses. <\/p>\n
The latest star rumoured to be making the switch is Masters champion Jon Rahm, who could reportedly earn a whopping \u00a3475million ($600m) if he leaves the PGA Tour for LIV. Rumours are swirling about Rahm's potential ties to the breakaway league, but if they prove true, the Masters champ could make LIV Golf history with his supposed signing bonus. Daily Star Sport<\/i> <\/b>takes a peek at some of the biggest reported signing fees to date.<\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/b>LIV Golf and PGA Tour told merger plan is 'not workable' as huge doubts arise<\/b><\/p>\n
READ MORE: <\/b>Brooks Koepka banks another \u00a36.5million in LIV Golf as his brother is brutally relegated<\/b><\/p>\nPhil Mickelson<\/h4>\n
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Phil Mickelson, a six-time major champion, is arguably LIV's most significant catch thus far. Since his move, 'Lefty' has become somewhat of a poster boy for the Saudi-funded series and pledged his loyalty to the rebel league months before its formation in June 2022.<\/p>\n
Mickelson discussed his connections to the PIF in a now-notorious chat with Fire Pit Collective, describing those running Saudi Arabia as 'scary mother f*****s' due to their poor human rights record. However, the American had already made up his mind and reportedly pocketed a cool \u00a3159m ($200m) signing fee when he joined the LIV setup.<\/p>\n
Has the emergence of LIV been positive or negative for golf? Let us know in the comments section below.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\nCam Smith<\/h4>\n
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Aussie star Cam Smith, currently one of the hottest players in golf, is another big name that LIV Golf managed to secure. Just weeks after clinching the Open Championship at St Andrews and establishing himself as the world No2, Smith announced his move to the breakaway league.<\/p>\n
Smith confessed that his decision was driven by business considerations, with a hefty \u00a3113m ($143m) signing bonus reportedly his reward for cutting PGA ties.<\/p>\n
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Dustin Johnson, a former Masters champion and a regular on the PGA Tour, initially dismissed any possibility of joining the Saudi league. However, just four months later, it was revealed that Johnson had indeed signed up with Greg Norman and his team, lured by a whopping \u00a3100m ($125m) signing bonus, according to The Telegraph.<\/p>\n
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CLICK HERE TO JOIN<\/b><\/p>\nBrooks Koepka<\/h4>\n
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Like Johnson, Brooks Koepka initially pledged his loyalty to the American-based circuit when rumours of a Saudi Golf League first emerged early last year. But he too changed his mind, joining the LIV setup after their inaugural event at Centurion near London.<\/p>\n
In February 2022, the five-time major champion stated: "Somebody will sell out and go to it" while discussing the possibility of a rival Saudi league. Surprisingly, Koepka himself turned out to be that 'somebody', who reportedly pocketed a whopping \u00a379m ($100m) bonus for his switch.<\/p>\n
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Before LIV Golf was established, Koepka was caught up in a heated rivalry with fellow golf star Bryson DeChambeau. Despite their PGA Tour rivalry, they became allies when DeChambeau also decided to join LIV last summer.<\/p>\n
Just like Koepka, the former U.S. Open champion was enticed with a massive offer, allegedly receiving \u00a379m ($100m) signing fee for ditching the PGA for the Saudi-backed series.<\/p>\n
This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up Daily Star's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to starletters@dailystar.co.uk<\/i> <\/b><\/p>\n
Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"