Darren Clarke has revealed that he turned down 'a very, very generous offer' to become the lead analyst of the new mega-rich LIV Golf Invitational Series.
The former Open champion wouldn't disclose the exact financial details but claimed a three-year contract was on the table from the controversial Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
Ultimately the 53-year-old said he didn't want to risk the rest of his playing career on the PGA Tour Champions.
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He told Sports Illustrated: “I really enjoy my time on the Champions tour and didn’t want to jeopardise it.
“It was a very, very generous offer. It was very tempting, because the offer was so good.
“If I said yes, I’d almost be ready to retire from professional golf.”
Clarke has won three times on the Champions Tour since turning 50.
But the former Ryder Cup captain said he was let known by a PGA Tour representative that taking a job as a television analyst for LIV would have seen him subjected to the same disciplinary measures as defectors like Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen are likely to face.
“It was a very difficult scenario. There was a conversation with my wife Alison and close friends, but ultimately this is where I want to be for now," said Clarke, who is competing at the Principal Charity Classic in Iowa this week.
The LIV Golf Invitational Series is the hottest topic in golf after it was revealed this week that 42 players, including Graeme McDowell, have signed up for the inaugural $25 million event at the Centurion Club near London next week.
And former US Open champion McDowell, who could jeopardise his chances at becoming a future Ryder Cup captain, admitted that he knows he is taking a risk in joining the new series, reports the Irish Mirror.
The 42-year-old said: "The perceived consequences are definitely concerning.
"But as players, we just ask ourselves the question, if we do get banned from the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, for example, is that good for the sport of golf?
"I believe it is not good for the game and I really feel what the guys at LIV have done is they've tried to create a schedule, which especially fits around the PGA Tour."
He added: “The unknowns are a little scary, but I am sure it's weighed into the decision of every player that's decided to take the leap. And we just hope that the right decision will be made."
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