Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Patrick Reed Pledge Loyalty to the PGA Tour Amid Saudi League Interest

Greg Norman recently became the CEO of the LIV Golf Investments, which will guide the new Saudi-backed circuit. Moreover, this will begin under Asian Tour as they had signed a 10-event contract initially. Furthermore, they are also trying to break players from the U.S. circuit and bring them to these newly formed events. Meanwhile, top PGA Tour players like Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, and Patrick Reed shared their views about this league. 

The major championship winners Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka opened up about the new golf circuit under Asian Tour. Meanwhile, they are currently competing at the Mayakoba Championship at El Camaleon course designed by Greg Norman. So let us see what exactly are their views about this new cash-rich league. 

Golf – The 2020 Ryder Cup – Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. – September 25, 2021 Team USA’s Brooks Koepka reacts after holing his putt on the 10th green to win the hole during the Four-balls REUTERS/Mike Segar

Brooks Koepka wants to continue competing on the PGA Tour

The 10-events featured golf circuit under Asian Tour is all set to begin in 2022. However, the PGA Tour has responded that any golfers participating in these events will fave a life ban from the PGA Tour. Hence, the four-time major championship winner Brooks Koepka said his focus is on the PGA Tour and not anything else. 

“Seems like there’s a bunch of stuff going on, but at the end of the day, there’s only one tour I’m playing right now, so I’m only interested in that one,” Koepka said. Moreover, Brooks said he loves the freedom he gets on the PGA Tour as he selects his schedule rather than being under pressure of a precise schedule. 

Watch This Story: PGA Tour Pros Try to Nail the ‘Hardest Shot in Golf’

Justin Thomas opens up about the new Saudi backed golf circuit

The world no.7 Justin Thomas showed his disinterest in competing in this new league. “I’m focused on what I’m doing out here,” Thomas said. Meanwhile, Greg Norman felt that a few top golfers do not get enough money for their work in the current PGA Tour system. However, Justin Thomas believes the recent introduction of a $50 million bonus as a PIP fund and an increase in the prize money of events has addressed this issue.

“I understand what he’s saying. But I think that was something that maybe wasn’t addressed as much in the past but is a lot now. With stuff like the Player Impact Program and purses and everything going up, I think it’s becoming (better).”

Furthermore, during the pre-round press conference, they asked Patrick Reed about the drive for money. “I’m driven by trophies,” Reed said. “If you go out and play well … the money will take care of itself,” he said. Hence, this makes it clear that even he is not leaving the Tour for the cash-rich league.

Meanwhile, the league is all set to begin in 2022 and feature 10-events under Asian Tour. This league guarantees huge paydays as they have financial backing from the PIF, the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund. There is a commitment of around $AUD260 million, according to a statement released last week. 

So it will be interesting to see whether any top golfers from the PGA Tour participate in these events. But what do you think? Should PGA Tour allow players to go and compete in these events? Do let us know. 

Read More – Reports: Tiger Woods Is Back to Playing Golf, but Not Completely

The post Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, and Patrick Reed Pledge Loyalty to the PGA Tour Amid Saudi League Interest appeared first on EssentiallySports.