🏌🏻 LIV's Million Dollar Masterplan

Plus: Jack Nicklaus' U-turn on LIV Golf, and more

January 11, 2024

Good morning. Ever wondered of a million-dollar masterplan to rule the golfing world? Greg Norman's got something up his sleeve.

But that's not all the excitement in the world of golf. LIV Golf is causing quite a stir as legendary Jack Nicklaus takes an unexpected turn in its favor. And if that's not enough, we've got a juicy list of the ten worst rounds in PGA Tour history to keep you entertained.

But before you dive into the world of swings and putts, we've got a little tip for you today. Want to grip that golf club like a pro? Stay tuned for expert advice in today's edition of Golf Reporter.

So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's golfing world together.

⛳ This day in history: On this date in 1970, Billy Casper became Golf's second millionaire (after Arnold Palmer). Casper, then 38, defeated Hale Irwin in a one-hole playoff at Rancho Park, making a 5-foot birdie putt on the 10th hole. He started 1970 with $981,938 in 14 years on tour and won $20,000 for first place to go past a million.

ALBATROSS
Greg Norman's Million Dollar Masterplan To Dominate Golf

Photo: Reuters | Source: Essentially Sports

LIV Golf star Phil Mickelson has revealed league CEO Greg Norman’s plans to dominate Golf's money game. LIV Golf had to burn their purses in the first two years but the success and the massive impact it had on the local economy has turned the tide in their favor.

Countries are now paying LIV to host events. The league will travel to seven countries this year, including Hong Kong for the first time.

“The reason we’re going to Hong Kong is that they are paying an exorbitant amount of money to bring professional golf of the highest level there. They’re using their tourism budget to do that. And I’m talking tens of millions of dollars, not just a million or two… now these countries are using tourism dollars to get us to go there because of the impact we’re having on their economy.”

- Phil Mickelson

Greg Norman is using these invitations to the league's advantage. The Saudi sovereign fund boasts $700 billion in war chests, but the purse size of these events generally comes from the countries that are hosting the tournament.

TWEET
Worth Mentioning

EAGLE
Jack Nicklaus Backs Tiger Woods To Dominate, Takes U-Turn On LIV Golf

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Sportskeeda

Jack Nicklaus has become the latest star to take a U-turn on LIV Golf. Nicklaus was earlier very critical of the Saudi-backed league but now admits that LIV 'has been a very powerful addition to the game'.

Nicklaus also shared his thoughts on the Golf ball roll-back saga and he feels that ‘it’s about time they rolled it back’.

On a different note, the 18-time Major Champion expressed confidence that no one would be able to break his Majors record, not even Tiger Woods - who has 15 Majors in his kitty. But, he backs Tiger to dominate the Senior Tour in the near future and can see him 'absolutely kill everybody.'

LOCKER ROOM
What else is making news

Korn Ferry Tour: Ben Kohles has won the Jack Nicklaus Award as the Korn Ferry Tour Player of the Year. Adrien Dumont de Chassart has been named the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour Rookie of the Year.

Michael Block: The PGA of America has named Michael Block as the PGA Professional Player of the year 2023. Block is the PGA Head Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo, California.

LPGA Tour: LPGA star Charley Hull has signed with Malbon Golf, following in the footsteps of PGA Tour player Jason Day. Hull was previously associated with Japanese company, Anew. 

Pebble Beach Pro-Am: 7-time NFL champion Tom Brady set to play in the 2024 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 1 to 4.

DP World Tour: Keith Pelley, the chief executive of the DP World Tour is set to leave his position, leaving the European circuit's future in an uncertain jeopardy. Pelley has reportedly been hired by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment as its new CEO.

BIRDIE
10 Worst Rounds In PGA Tour History

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Golf Monthly

Even the best golfers have bad days, but it's not often that they have terrible days. This list definitely features some surprising names - take a look.

Tiger Woods (85) - Memorial Tournament, 2015

Woods scored 85 during the third round of this tournament - one which he had won five times before. He was partnered with rookie Zac Blair, who registered a score of 70.

John Daly (85) - Arnold Palmer Invitational, 1998

On the par-5 6th hole, Daly scored a 13-over par 18. The fairway horseshoes around a lake and Daly had his ball drowned six times! He finished the round with a score of 85.

Billy Casper (106) - Masters, 2005

This round officially doesn't exist because Casper deliberately didn't sign his card. He went round in 106, including 14 on the 16th, both records.

Ray Ainsley (96) - US Open, 1938

Ainsley registered a score of 96 during the second round. He hit into a flowing creek on the 16th hole and took 19 on this par-4 hole.

Charlie Kunkle (95) - Masters, 1956

Kunkle carded a 95 in the final round. This remains as the highest official round at the Masters till date.

DRIVING RANGE
How To Grip The Golf Club If You Struggle With Tension

This video teaches you how to grip the golf club correctly so that you can hit your shots with ease and without tension.