Jon Rahm’s decision to join the Saudi Golf Super League sent shockwaves through the sport and across the wider athletic world. The deal size appeared unprecedented for a circuit that only started in 2022, sparking debate about the league’s ambitions and its long-term impact on professional golf.
What is LIV Golf?
LIV Golf, also known as the Super League, is a golf circuit funded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. It runs alongside established tours like the PGA Tour in the United States and the DP World Tour in Europe. Its launch created tension with those long-standing tours, prompting questions about eligibility for events like the Ryder Cup, where Europe and the United States compete biennially, while the sport’s landscape adapts to the presence of the new league.
Jon Rahm and Justin Rose celebrate Europe’s Ryder Cup win over the United States in Italy. EFE
Who’s playing?
Top players were attracted by sizable offers from the Saudi fund to help build the circuit. Rahm reportedly agreed to a multi-year deal valued at roughly 550 million dollars through 2029, though he approached the decision cautiously. Not every big name joined; Tiger Woods reportedly rejected a much larger offer. Phil Mickelson, Sergio García, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Brooks Koepka, and Cameron Smith are among others linked to or signing with the project. The league is led by Greg Norman, a legendary figure who helped secure commitments with a hands-on approach and a tailored compensation strategy.
How does it work?
The 2024 season features a schedule of 12 tournaments from February through August, followed by both individual and team championships in September. The exact calendar remains under discussion as organizers seek alignment with other tours. Each event features a field of 48 players and unfolds over three rounds, totaling 54 holes, a nod to the league’s name. Prize money is substantial at each event, with the final prize pool shared by four players. Competitions are designed to accommodate both individual and team formats at every venue.
A notebook covered with the emblem of Rahm’s favorite football club, Athletic Bilbao. Sergio Perez
Where to play?
Events are staged across multiple continents, not limited to the Persian Gulf. Plans for 2024 call for 14 tournaments. The schedule began in Mayakoba, Mexico, and includes venues in the United States — Las Vegas, Houston, Nashville, The Greenbrier in West Virginia, and others yet to be named — as well as stops in Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Adelaide, Singapore, England, and Spain. The European leg took place at Valderrama Golf Club in Cádiz from July 12–14. Rahm is slated to captain his own team, with several notable roster members from the Americas featured on the circuit.
The initiative is viewed by many as part of a broader strategy sometimes described as sportswashing, where large financial resources aim to influence public perception through high-profile competitions. The model mirrors other recent moves in global sports, with leagues testing expansion and cross-border participation. Money remains a central driver, whether it comes from Gulf states with deep pockets or other global investors seeking marquee matchups and global audiences.
Messi received the world championship trophy from FIFA President Infantino and in the presence of the Qatar Emir Al Thani. EP
Why was it created?
The project is widely viewed as part of a broader strategy to reshape how sports reach audiences and monetize global fan bases. Financial firepower attracts stars and accelerates international participation, driving a new era for professional golf beyond traditional tours.
The tour was designed in 2021 and began operating in 2022 after securing major commitments from top players. The leadership, led by Greg Norman, offered guaranteed contracts that did not rely solely on on-course results. Early years featured large prize pools and growing global participation, with notable performances and record earnings by players across the roster.
Rahm to sign 550 million contract for Saudi golf ‘Super League’, largest contract in sports history
How will it all end?
By mid-2024, leaders of the three competing circuits intensified talks to find a path toward calendar unification and fewer disputes. The LIV project faced ongoing scrutiny from traditional tours and the wider media, affecting exposure and player mobility. The ultimate outcome remained uncertain as negotiations continued and the sport reassessed its global schedule, player commitments, and revenue models. Rahm’s focus on financial considerations sparked discussion about balancing prize money with legacy and competitive goals in modern golf.