🏌🏻 LIV's $74M Lawsuit

Good morning. Golfers seem to be jumping many ships, from the tour to sponsors - we take a look at the latest making news. We also delve into the high-stakes PGA-LIV meeting held in Saudi Arabia, set against the backdrop of a hefty $74 million lawsuit looming over the LIV Chairman.

Plus, we've got a special segment for the enthusiasts: a pro-tip to elevate your putting game.

So, clutch your morning beverage of choice and join us on this exhilarating journey through the greens and fairways of today's golf world. Let's drive into the action!

⛳ This day in history: On this date in 1916, Rodman Wanamaker organized a lunch meeting in New York City to discuss the formation of what became the PGA. On April 10, 1916, the PGA was founded when 78 members ratified a constitution and bylaws, including 35 charter members from the January meeting.

ALBATROSS
Rory To Quit Nike?

World No 2 Rory McIlroy is set to follow Tiger Woods' path and part ways with Nike. McIlroy is unlikely to renew his current deal with Nike, which expires in 2027.

Greyson Clothiers shared a picture of their founder Charlie Schaefer alongside McIlroy in Dubai and that has sparked rumors regarding McIlroy's next destination. McIlroy finished T2 at the Dubai Invitational and will tee-off this week at the Dubai Desert Classic.

McIlroy has been working with Nike since 2016 and has donned their apparel in all of his professional tournaments. His current contract with Nike reportedly earns him $200 million per year.

TWEET
Worth Mentioning

EAGLE
LIV Chairman Faces $74 Million Lawsuit

Yasir Al-Rumayyan, head of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and the de facto head of LIV Golf faces a lawsuit of $74 million in a Canadian court. He has been accused of running a campaign involving 'wrongful kidnapping and detention’ and ‘misappropriation of funds’ among other allegations.

Al-Rumayyan apparently “carried out the instructions” of current Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with “the malicious intent” of “harming, silencing and ultimately destroying” the family of the Kingdom’s former intelligence chief, Dr. Saad Aljabri.

The Aljabri family is seeking $74 million in damages.

The lawsuit comes at a bad time for both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. LIV is less than a month from hosting its first event of 2024 in Mexico and are currently in advanced talks with the PGA Tour regarding a merger.

LOCKER ROOM
What else is making news

New Format: LIV is expected to expand the field to 54 players for each event this year, by adding 2 spots for individuals, as well as the extra team. The spots are likely to be filled by travelling reserves who will play for the purse and league individual points but not for a team.

DP World Tour: Adrian Meronk has been presented with the Seve Ballesteros Award for being the 2023 DP World Tour Player of the Year. Meronk is the first player from Poland to be voted Player of the Year after a season in which he won three times.

PGA-LIV Meeting: PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan met PIF Governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Saudi Arabia. Monahan and Al-Rumayyan have met in person for the first time since last summer. It is still unclear if they came to any definitive conclusion regarding the PGA-LIV merger following their latest meeting.

LIV Golf: Former PGA Tour Winner Lucas Herbert has signed for Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC LIV Golf team. The Ripper GC team will once again feature an all-Australian lineup, which also includes Matt Jones and Marc Lieshmann. 

BIRDIE
Ian Poulter Calls Out 'Two-Faced' Critics, Lauds Rory McIlroy

Ian Poulter took to social media to call out all those who reversed stance on LIV Golf. Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus and a number of other stars have recently softened their stances on the PGA Tour's rival league.

McIlroy initially appeared to be the primary target of this rant. The PGA Tour star was previously very critical of LIV but recently admitted that it is now 'a part of the sport'.

Poulter clarified soon after that he didn't aim the dig at McIlroy. He lauds McIlroy for having the guts to say 'the things he said'.

DRIVING RANGE
Most Important Skill In Putting

If you are looking to learn how to putt better, these putting tips and drills from Todd Kolb will have you making more putts in no time.