After over a year of speculation and drama, the inaugural event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series led by former world No. 1 Greg Norman is set to kick off later this week. The rebel circuit - labelled as the Saudi Golf League - has drawn in plenty of controversy, especially over recent months.
The Saudi Arabian-backed Series has sent shockwaves down the spine of golf’s purists, offering players the chance to breakaway from the sport’s trademark leading circuits in the DP World and PGA Tour, in the hunt for some of the biggest prize pots ever offered.
In response the two leading tours have threatened the rebel players wanting to join Norman’s breakaway with life bans from both their events, and the Ryder Cup.
The controversy has led to the downfalls of one of the game’s greats in Phil Mickelson, who remains in exile following his initial support. The talking however is now over, with the Series’ inaugural event set to kick off in just three days' time. Ahead of the opening tee shot on Thursday, here is everything you need to know about the LIV Golf Invitational.
When and where is the inaugural event taking place?
The inaugural event of the LIV Golf Invitational Series will take place on Thursday June 9, and run until Saturday June 11. The opening tournament will take place at the Centurion Club just outside of London.
Who is playing?
The biggest debate surrounding the Series opener has been who will be involved in the field. A number of the sport’s most recognised names all openly shared their intent to compete prior to the release of the entry list, including European Ryder Cup stars Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia.
As a result, all three European stalwarts have put their Ryder Cup legacies on the line after being confirmed as part of the field, however arguably the biggest name included is 2020 Masters champion Dustin Johnson. Despite initially snubbing the idea in February, the American star’s entry into the controversial event was confirmed last week.
Other notable entries include world No. 20 Louis Oosthuizen, and Kevin Na - who made the decision to resign from the PGA Tour in order to pursue his interest with the LIV Series.
What is the format?
The format compared to usual tour tournaments is a little different, with events lasting 54 holes across three days, with a shotgun start and no cuts included - guaranteeing every player prize money regardless of where they finish. Players will compete both individually, and in 12 separate teams of four.
The opening seven events of the circuit will produce an individual series champion, whilst the team winner will be determined in a final match-play knockout tournament.
Will you be tuning in to watch the LIV Invitational? Let us know in the comments section below.
What prize money is up for grabs?
The key attraction to those competing in the controversial breakaway circuit will undoubtedly be the lucrative prize money on offer. As mentioned, regardless of where players finish in the three-day event all will receive some chunk of the prize pool. Just short of £20 million will be handed out to the 48 players with £16 million going to the individual winner, and £4 million being split evenly between the winning team.
First place is set to come away with a mouth-watering £3.8 million, with £1.7 million and £1.19 million going to second and third respectively. Despite finishing in last place, the man in 48th will still come away with a cool £96,000 in prize money.
How can you watch the LIV Golf Invitational?
The inaugural event in London can be viewed online on LIVGolf.com, as well as on YouTube and Facebook. Arlo White - commentator of Premier League football across the United States - has been selected to be the voice of the event. He will be joined by renowned Golf Channel reporter Jerry Foltz, and the man regarded as the voice of golf in Asia Dom Boulet.
