The game of golf may be changing.
On October 22nd, Golfweek reported eight players have asked permission to play in The Saudi International scheduled for February 3-6 at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club in King Abdullah Economic City.
Is this a sign of bigger things? The Super Golf League’s previous pitch was built upon one core foundation. Cash. The Saudis had promised gaudy paychecks for the biggest names in golf, reportedly $30 million in some cases.
Expectedly, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan then made it clear that any player who joins a rival league could face a lifetime ban from the PGA Tour.
For the best players in the world, any decision will be determined by aspirations in the game. A bank account with an incredible amount of zeros, or a legacy built by Tour success (accompanied by large paychecks, don’t forget)?
Dustin Johnson is one of eight players who have requested permission from the Tour to play in the Saudi International. Below is a full list.