The ever controversial LIV Golf Series is continuing its hunt for the sport’s biggest stars with ‘five new big-name signings’ reportedly set to be announced.
LIV Golf has rocked the sport over the past year after luring in some of the game’s biggest names thanks to mega-money deals. The likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka have all made the switch, with the Saudi-backed series just three events old after kicking off in St Albans in June.
Now it seems the breakaway circuit’s empire - led by former world No. 1 Greg Norman - is only going to get stronger with at least another five stars set to make the move, report Golf Monthly.
While no names have been confirmed, one man who has been heavily linked with the Saudi switch is recently crowned Open champion Cameron Smith. Smith wrote his name into the history books last month, after winning the 150th Open at St Andrews.
Just a few weeks on from his major success, Smith has found himself embroiled in the LIV Golf saga, with his name heavily linked to the series. His move was all but confirmed by fellow Australian pro Cameron Percy, after he revealed to RSN Radio that the Open champion was joining Norman and co.
Smith quickly fired back at this claim though, furiously revealing to the media at the FedEx St Jude Championship last week, saying: “You'll hear news from me, not Cameron Percy." In the midst of the rumours, the world No. 2 has opted to sit out this week’s FedEx Cup play-off at the BMW Championship due to a hip problem, despite sitting third in the rankings.
Smith is not the only Australian linked with a move, with his Tokyo Olympics teammate Marc Leishman also said to be on the radar of fellow Aussie Norman. Another marquee name said to be on the breakaway circuit’s wanted list is 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.
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If he was to make the mega-money move, it would be expected that Matsuyama would join all-Japanese LIV team Torque GC, but the former green jacket winner is reported to still be pondering on making the decision and turning his back on the PGA Tour. The LIV signings are expected to be announced after the PGA Tour’s season finale at the Tour Championship next week.
The fourth Saudi-backed Series event then kicks off one week later in Massachusetts, where the expected newly-named stars could well make their debuts.
