PGA loyalists turned down LIV Golf millions despite players earning significant paydays

News of the PGA Tour’s stellar merger with bitter rival LIV Golf has stunned a large number of loyal players, especially after many rejected lucrative payouts ranging in the tens and hundreds of millions to dismiss the Saudi-backed breakaway streak.

The deal ends the acrimonious split in the sport and puts an end to pending litigation between the two tours. They now continue as part of the same venture.

PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan hailed a “memorable day” for the game in a letter to Tour members, though numerous players were caught off guard by the news.

The sudden rise of the LIV circuit has divided professional golf, with several big names accepting staggering contracts and winning significant prizes.

However, it has proved controversial due to its association with the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund and the fact that it has been involved in lawsuits with the PGA Tour.

In the end, household names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy chose to stay on the PGA Tour, despite LIV’s eye-watering arrangements.

In a shocking development, the PGA Tour and its rival will merge (above: LIV CEO Greg Norman)

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote a memo to members on Tuesday (pictured)

Now, however, they have been left red-faced and likely furious, having publicly rallied against the escape and its numerous defectors, to no avail.

Woods, the 15-time big winner, turned down between $700 and $800 million (£575m-£650m) last year, according to LIV chief executive Greg Norman.

“Look, Tiger is a needle mover, right? So of course you have to look for the best of the best,” Norman told Tucker Carlson. “They approached Tiger before I became CEO. That number is somewhere in that neighborhood.’

McIlroy was also unsurprisingly approached by the circuit but, like Woods, turned down a bid reportedly worth around $500 million (£402 million).

Lucrative deals were made for other PGA members and some were turned down as well.

Indeed, Jon Rahm is said to have brushed off $400 million (£321 million), while Will Zalatoris was initially offered $35 million (£28 million) and then an enhanced package of $130 million (£104 million).

Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Cameron Young and Justin Thomas were among those who rejected LIV Golf’s advances, though their respective offers were not disclosed.

But despite the storm surrounding the breakaway, a number of players signed up.

A package worth between £575 million and £650 million was submitted to Woods, who chose to reject it

Rory McIlroy was the subject of a £402 million proposal but chose to stay loyal to the PGA Tour

LIV Golfers pictured ahead of their second season start in Mayakoba, Mexico in February

Phil Mickelson accepted $200 million (£160 million) with open arms and Dustin Johnson earned a $150 million (£120 million) payday, showing the financial strength of the LIV project.

Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka all received $100 million.

Elsewhere, Bubba Watson took on a $50 million (£40 million) figure, while Sergio Garcia banked $40 million (£32 million) and Ian Poulter earned a number between $20 million and $30 million (£16 million – £ 24 million).

The likes of Patrick Reed, Paul Casey, Kevin Na, and Louis Oosthuizen also chose to move from the PGA Tour, despite the fallout they soon faced.

LIV Golf has been criticized for its PIF links, with critics accusing the kingdom of “sporting” its human rights record.

It is heavily funded by the Sovereign Wealth Fund, which has pledged at least $2 billion to the circuit since its inception.

Meanwhile, defectors were pilloried for charges of greed.

The fate of the players who moved from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf remains unclear. Some may have to pay a fine, according to Daniel Rapaport.

However, Phil Mickelson accepted £160 million to join the divisive Saudi-backed breakout

Dustin Johnson also pocketed £120 million, with LIV Golf able to show its pure financial muscle