As we prepare for what could be one of the most talked about and watched majors of all time, golf finds itself in the middle of mainstream controversy and heavy debate due to the launch of the new LIV Golf tour. With strong statements made from both sides, hostile media members and PGA Tour memberships being revoked, the question must be asked; What happens if a LIV Golf member wins the 2022 U.S. Open?
What is LIV Golf
If you are a fan of golf you most likely know by now that LIV Golf is a new professional golf tour offering exuberant sums of money for its members. The league is backed mostly by money coming from Saudi Arabia, which has surrounded it in controversy and has created a tense relationship between the PGA Tour, its current and former members, as well as fans of golf in general.
Many PGA Tour pros have already defected to LIV Golf, including multiple in the 2022 U.S. Open field, such as Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Kevin Na, Sergio Garcia and others.
The inaugural LIV Golf tournament took place in London, England last week, seeing Charl Schwartzel (-7) take home the victory to the tune of $4 million dollars. LIV Golf will resume on July 1, at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Portland, with six additional tournaments to follow.
Below is the remaining LIV Golf schedule and regular season tournament payout structure.
- 1-3 July: Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club – Portland, USA
- 29-31 July: Trump National Golf Club Bedminster – New Jersey, USA
- 2-4 September: The International – Boston, USA
- 16-18 September: Rich Harvest Farms – Chicago, USA
- 7-9 October: Stonehill Golf Club – Bangkok, Thailand
- 14-16 October: Royal Greens Golf Club – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- 27-30 October: Team Championship, Trump National Doral, Miami, USA
INDIVIDUAL PRIZE MONEY – REGULAR SEASON EVENTS
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $4,000,000 |
| 2nd | $2,125,000 |
| 3rd | $1,500,000 |
| 4th | $1,050,000 |
| 5th | $975,000 |
| 6th | $800,000 |
| 7th | $675,000 |
| 8th | $625,000 |
| 9th | $580,000 |
| 10th | $560,000 |
| 11th | $540,000 |
| 12th | $450,000 |
| 13th | $360,000 |
| 14th | $270,000 |
| 15th | $250,000 |
| 16th | $240,000 |
| 17th | $232,000 |
| 18th | $226,200 |
| 19th | $220,000 |
| 20th | $200,000 |
| 21st | $180,000 |
| 22nd | $172,000 |
| 23rd | $170,000 |
| 24th | $168,000 |
| 25th | $166,000 |
| 26th | $164,000 |
| 27th | $162,000 |
| 28th | $160,000 |
| 29th | $158,000 |
| 30th | $156,000 |
| 31st | $154,000 |
| 32nd | $152,000 |
| 33rd | $150,000 |
| 34th | $148,000 |
| 35th | $146,000 |
| 36th | $144,000 |
| 37th | $142,000 |
| 38th | $140,000 |
| 39th | $138,000 |
| 40th | $136,000 |
| 41st | $134,000 |
| 42nd | $132,000 |
| 43rd | $130,000 |
| 44th | $128,000 |
| 45th | $126,000 |
| 46th | $124,000 |
| 47th | $122,000 |
| 48th | $120,000 |
TEAM PRIZE MONEY – REGULAR SEASON EVENTS
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st | $3,000,000 |
| 2nd | $1,500,000 |
| 3rd | $500,000 |
PGA Tour Responds to LIV Golf
To the surprise of very few, a hard line in the sand is being drawn between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Many of the world’s best golfers are firmly speaking out against the LIV and condemning the actions of their former colleagues who have joined.
LIV Golf members have tried their best to save face in front of the media this week, looking to explain their way into understanding, and out of being ridiculed for their decision.
Whatever their reason for joining, they had to have known they would face severe consequences from the PGA Tour, leading many of them to preemptively resign from the PGA Tour. Those who did not resign quickly had their memberships suspended, and almost all have lost sponsors.
What Happens if a LIV Golf Member Wins the 2022 U.S. Open?
It is not out of the question that one of the members of LIV Golf could win the 2022 U.S. Open. The PGA odds are against them, but as some of the most talented young golfers and veterans in the world, it would not be a shock.
Questions as to what that victory would mean for everyone involved are very intriguing. How will the crowd react? Will the champion feel vindicated or regretful of their decision to leave? Will the PGA commissioner or the man presenting the trophy have the typical kind and gushing things to say about the winner or will it be an awkward a-typical trophy presentation?
The PGA Tour is hoping and praying they will not have to face this situation. An ideal scenario for them would be to have one of their biggest stars, such as Rory, Spieth, Thomas or Rahm, win, with hopes they will stand up there and reiterate that the PGA Tour is the best place in the world to play golf and that they are proud members and will never turn their backs on the fans just for money.
Will the PGA Tour get its way, or will LIV be further represented on one of golf’s grandest stages?
The only thing that is for sure is that the LIV is not going away any time soon. The PGA Tour has lost and continues to lose some of its most established and up-and-coming stars. Is the answer to increase prize money? Should there be a real consideration for changing their broadcast/tournament format or shrinking field size? Do they just continue to hammer home morality?
Eventually, a LIV Golf member is going to win a major. The intrigue in how the PGA Tour responds and treats that player in the moment cannot be understated or overlooked.
We welcome the suspense and can’t wait to find out what happens this weekend at the 2022 U.S. Open!
U.S. Open Schedule
*all times in EST*
Thursday, June 16: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (USA); 2-5 p.m. (NBC); 5-7 p.m. (USA)
Friday, June 17: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. (USA); 4-7 p.m. (NBC)
Saturday, June 18: 12-8 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday, June 19: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (USA); 12-7 p.m. (NBC)
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