Renowned golf analyst, Brandel Chamblee, takes to social media to applaud PGA Tour luminaries, including Will Zalatoris, for declining enormous financial inducements from the Saudi-sponsored LIV Golf League.
In a recent Twitter disclosure, Chamblee mentioned that Zalatoris spurned a staggering $130 million proposal from the Saudis, indicating his desire “to align with the righteous course of history and carve out an inspirational legacy.”
Despite clinching the title at the 2022 FedEx St Jude, Zalatoris mulled over the lucrative proposal, ultimately choosing loyalty to the PGA Tour and aspirations of competing in major tournaments.
Though Zalatoris, aged 27, is yet to grasp a major victory, his track record boasts runner-up positions in three significant tournaments, including the 2021 Masters and the 2022 editions of the PGA and US Open.
Following a hiatus owing to back surgery in April 2023, fans eagerly anticipate Zalatoris’ return to action in 2024. Despite his top-10 global rank, his comeback will see him placed beyond the top 30.
Chamblee, a Texas native, did not mince words criticizing LIV Golf ever since its inception in 2022. He also lauded other Texan PGA Tour prodigies, including global frontrunner Scottie Scheffler and tri-major victor Jordan Spieth, for their choice of declining multi-million offers.
Nevertheless, LIV Golf successfully onboarded prominent golf figures such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau, each outpacing Zalatoris’ monetary proposal.
Chamblee firmly opines that the crème de la crème of the PGA Tour has judiciously decided to maintain their allegiance.
Speculations are rife about the possible future recruits of LIV Golf for their 2024 season. But considering the hefty financial infusions into high-profile events, the inception of the Monday Night TGL steered by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, and a prospective collaboration with LIV Golf’s primary financiers, PIF, major shifts among the global top 20 this off-season appear improbable.
LIV Golf’s CEO, Greg Norman, is undoubtedly strategizing to curb the PGA Tour’s stride in retaining its top talent. Norman, nicknamed “The Great White Shark”, recently divulged the soaring interest from player representatives over the past year.
Anticipation mounts as to which players will align with LIV Golf as they approach their third year.
The conclusion of LIV Golf’s sophomore season witnessed DeChambeau’s Crushers clinch the championship in Miami.
As reported by GolfMagic, In a subsequent revelation, LIV Golf showcased its premier acquisition for the upcoming season.