Since its inaugural event in June, LIV Golf has managed to lure in a number of the sport’s biggest names from the PGA Tour with mega-money deals. Despite this, a number of LIV’s playing members have not always been on board with the Saudi-backed series.
Back in February, Rory McIlroy - a strong opponent of the breakaway circuit - claimed LIV Golf was "dead in the water" after some of the PGA Tour’s marquee players ruled out the chances of them moving to Greg Norman’s new plan.
McIlroy has since been left to eat on his own words, as those very players who assured him and the Tour that they were staying put have since made the switch. Here is a look at six LIV golfers who went back on their word and joined the breakaway circuit...
Dustin Johnson
One man who categorically ruled out a move to LIV Golf earlier this year, is 2020 Masters champion Dustin Johnson. In February, Johnson was heavily linked with a move to the Saudi series, but announced a clear statement pledging his allegiance to the PGA Tour.
He said: “I feel it is now time to put such speculation to rest. I am fully committed to the PGA Tour. I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family."
Just four months later though - Johnson shocked the world by going back on his word and signing on the dotted line with LIV. In doing so, the American star went on to announce he had resigned from the PGA Tour ahead of his Saudi-funded circuit debut in St Albans.
Bryson DeChambeau
Similarly to Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau was another big name to come out and rubbish a move to LIV Golf after being heavily linked back in February. Following his Ryder Cup teammate’s statement, DeChambeau released one himself.
He wrote: “While there has been a lot of speculation surrounding my support for another tour, I want to make it very clear that as long as the best players in the world are playing the PGA Tour, so will I.”
However, DeChambeau went on and followed in the footsteps of Johnson by making the Saudi switch.
Brooks Koepka
One man who has had a bitter feud with DeChambeau is Brooks Koepka, but one thing they are aligned on is making a LIV Golf U-turn. At this year’s Waste Management Open, Koepka revealed he was going nowhere, commenting: “It's been pretty clear for a long time now that I'm with the PGA Tour, it's where I'm staying. I'm very happy.”
This happiness did not last long though, as the four-time major champion dramatically went back on his word. Confirming his U-turn two months ago, he admitted: “My opinion changed. That was it.
“You guys will never believe me, but we didn't have the conversation till everything was done at the U.S. Open and figured it out and just said I was going to go one way or another. Here I am. Like I said, opinions change. And I feel very comfortable with the decision I made. I'm happy, and I did what's best for me."
Paul Casey
Another who clearly had his opinion changed is Englishman Paul Casey. Three years ago, Casey revealed he would not partake in golf events in Saudi Arabia - the state funding LIV Golf - due to the ethical implications as an ambassador for Uncief.
Back in 2019 he said: “Signing a deal and being paid to be down there, I would be a hypocrite if I did that. Anyone who says sport isn’t political, that’s rubbish. I’m glad I took a stance, more so if it highlighted the issues within the region.”
But these comments have come back to haunt him, after he was announced as a LIV member in July.
Harold Varner III
Back in June, Harold Varner III confirmed he had chosen to snub a LIV Golf offer thanks to the help of NBA legend Michael Jordan. He revealed: “It helps because I'm sure he's [Jordan] had decisions like this long before I was even born.
"I'm obviously not going [to LIV Golf]. I've spoken with Jay [Monahan], I've spoken with a lot of people I look up to and it just wasn't worth it to me for what it was worth."
The basketball great’s advice clearly did not last long though, as Varner was announced as one of LIV’s newest recruits earlier this week.
Joaquin Niemann
One man who was also confirmed by the Saudi-backed circuit on Tuesday was Chilean star Joaquin Niemann, but like many before he had also once rubbished the idea of making the controversial switch. Speaking at this summer’s US Open, Niemann confirmed: “Nothing to tell from me [on LIV Golf].
“I want to do my best to beat all these guys. They’re still here and as long as they’re here [PGA Tour], I’m not going anywhere. No chance.”
Well Joaquin, it seems there was a chance as just over two months later the Chilean was writing to his 202,000 Instagram followers that he had completed his month to the breakaway circuit.
