Money a huge draw as stars gear up for LIV Golf’s big debut in Singapore

IN two weeks’ time, some of the most famous golfers in the world will descend on Sentosa as LIV Golf – the professional golf league backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund – makes its debut in Singapore.

There are big bucks at stake at this season’s league, and it’s little wonder why LIV Golf continues to lure many superstars from the PGA Tour.

This season’s prize money has been upped by 63 per cent to US$405 million. There are a total of 14 events in seven countries, each with a purse of US$20 million – comprising US$20 million for the individual category and the rest going to the team category.

The individual winner of each event will take home US$4 million while the winning team bags US$3 million. Even the last-placed finisher in the 48-player, no-cut 54-hole event will still win a cool US$120,000.

With such huge carrots dangled in front of world’s top-ranked golfers, it is no surprise that household names like Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed will be in town for the fifth event of the season – LIV Golf Singapore presented by Resorts World Sentosa.

Earlier this month, many of LIV Golf’s players participated at the Masters in Augusta. Of the 18 golfers who competed in the season’s first Major, 12 made the cut, with Mickelson and Koepka finishing T-2 and Reed claiming T-4.

Reed, the face of Team 4Aces, is confident that the Singapore leg will give the region’s sports fans a completely new perspective on the game, thanks to LIV Golf’s innovative format and action-packed style.

“The biggest thing the Singapore fans can expect is a different spin on golf, showing the faster and more fun side of the game,” said the 2018 Masters champion from the US at a press conference this week. “They will see a more energised event, and they will also see the team aspect, with the guys going out and playing not just for themselves, but for their teammates.”

Garcia, meanwhile, is hoping that his previous experience of playing at Sentosa Golf Club will give him an advantage. The 43-year-old Spaniard won the 2018 SMBC Singapore Open, a year after donning the famous Green Jacket with a memorable Masters triumph.

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“I’m really excited to come back to Singapore and Sentosa. It’s a great golf course, I won there a few years ago, and I think everyone is going to love it. It’s the kind of course that you have to drive the ball well, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

Garcia’s Fireballs GC currently sit in third position in the team standings and within striking distance of the leaders, 4Aces. 

Andrew Johnston, Sentosa Golf Club’s general manager and director of agronomy, gave his assurance that the Serapong course is in “great shape”, with no play allowed for a full four weeks until the LIV Golf event tees off.

“With this course it is always best to keep the ball in play and find the fairway. The bunkers have been enhanced. On some holes where water comes into play, the tee boxes have been brought to hugging the coastline, so the tee-shots have to be good,” he said.

The course has been dotted with marquees and special pavilions where a host of activities has been lined up, including golf games for kids.

Heng Su Ann, a former professional from Singapore who now works as a commentator for LIV Golf, noted: “There is a lot of rah-rah at the LIV events. There’s a new perspective to golf, and the entertainment factor has been spiced up with music, a carnival and fan involvement.”

At the end of the day, however, it’s evident that money still continues to be the main draw for many of the players that have committed to LIV Golf.

Harold Varner III, the American who won the PIF Saudi International year, perhaps summed it up best when he said: “I’m not really into trophies. I play golf so I can change the direction of my family’s life. (LIV Golf) is simply too good of a financial breakthrough.”