The Saudi-sponsored LIV Golf Series has announced a 14-tournament schedule for next year, with 12 established team franchises and the opportunity for players to either move up or down through a series of tournaments on the Asian Tour.
Greg Norman, CEO and commissioner of LIV Golf, said in a press release Wednesday that the full schedule will be released at a later date and will include stops around the world.
The rival PGA and European Tours play their third event this week at Trump National in Bedminster, New Jersey, a course owned by former President Donald Trump. There are four additions to the 48-man roster Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey, Charles Howell III and Jason Kokrak. European tour stripped Stenson of the Ryder Cup captaincy for signing up to LIV Golf, after pledging his full support for the tour when he was elected captain in March.
Along with the 48-man field, the $25 million non-exclusion event, LIV Golf Investments has invested $300 million in the Asian Tour’s “International Series” competition. While the details of promotion and demotion have not been announced, players could earn their way into the LIV Golf League through their performances in these Asian Tour events, while those who finish at the bottom of the LIV Golf events will be replaced .
The press release stated that LIV Golf League players are expected to compete in “numerous” International Series events, meaning participation in more than 14 tournaments on LIV Golf’s 2023 schedule. One appeal for registered players eg Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelsonwas playing less.
LIV Golf said there will be 25 tournaments around the world next year, making for a total of 11 events on the Asian Tour. This year, the Asian Tour schedule includes four “International Series” events. The press release stated that the new Asian tour stops will include America and Europe. This year, the Asian Tour held an event in England a week before the debut of the LIV Golf Invitational outside of London.
LIV Golf and the International Series will draw $405 million in prize money, Norman said. With the $25 million allocated to LIV Golf events, this suggests that each of the International Series events will have a $5 million purse.
The 12 teams of four will remain unchanged throughout the year. Captains will be able to create their own franchises to attract fans and sponsors. Howell and Casey are now on the team under Bryson DeChambeau, and they said he approached them about joining LIV Golf a few months ago.
This is reported by the Associated Press
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