PGA Prize Money Increase... "Resembling LIV Golf"

[Asia Economy Reporter Byeon Seon-jin] The PGA Tour's countermeasure against LIV Golf, which is sponsored by Saudi Arabian capital, has been revealed to be distributing huge prize money. This is why the countermeasure is being called a 'money party' similar to LIV Golf.

Cameron Smith (left) and Adam Scott are checking their condition during the Tour Championship practice round.

Jay Monahan, PGA Tour Commissioner, announced on the 24th (local time) a 'Tour Change Plan' centered on selecting 20 top players and giving them a $100 million 'bundle of cash' benefit. Until this year, the PGA Tour distributed $50 million among players ranked within the top 10 in the FedEx Cup standings, but now both the number of players and the amount have been doubled.

Four more premium tournaments with total prize money reaching $20 million each will be added. Including the four major championships, the Players Championship, three invitational tournaments, and three playoff events, plus the four newly established premium tournaments, there will be a total of 17. This surpasses the majors such as the Masters, which has a prize of $15 million, and is similar in scale to the LIV Invitational tournaments.

Participation in premium tournaments is 'mandatory.' Premium players will participate in 20 tournaments annually, including three additional events. The method of attracting premium players by offering large prize money is similar to LIV Golf. Among the 47 PGA Tour events, there are 'premium tournaments' where premium players participate and 'regular tournaments' where premium players rarely appear. Premium players can enjoy effects similar to moving to LIV Golf while staying in the PGA Tour. Even non-premium players are guaranteed a minimum income of $500,000. Players who miss the cut receive a consolation prize of $5,000. Commissioner Monahan explained, "You will be able to see the top players competing in more than 20 tournaments throughout the season."

After the PGA Tour's countermeasure, which seems to imitate LIV Golf, Greg Norman, LIV's CEO, shared a so-called 'meme' on social media that appeared to mock it. When Monahan asked if it was okay to imitate LIV Golf's approach, Norman replied, "Sure. But imitate it so that it looks different, not exactly the same." Norman also added, "Do it a day late or offer $1 less."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.