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Graeme McDowell reveals the real reason he signed with LIV Golf as he expresses regret
TL;DR
Graeme McDowell has revealed his regret over signing with LIV Golf, citing the league's uncertain future after the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew support. The situation raises concerns about the viability of LIV Golf moving forward.
Key points
- Graeme McDowell regrets signing with LIV Golf.
- LIV Golf faces uncertainty after funding withdrawal.
- Saudi Public Investment Fund's support has ended.
- Players are considering leaving the league.
- CEO Scott O’Neil's funding claims were untrue.
Mentioned in this story
Graeme McDowellLIV GolfSaudi Public Investment FundScott O’Neil
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
The current state of LIV Golf feels a little like the last days of Rome.
After the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew support for next season, it became clear that CEO Scott O’Neil’s statement to the players that the league was fully funded until 2032 was untrue.
Unless the tour can find new investment for next season and beyond, it will likely be the end of LIV, and the players are eyeing the exit door.
For the biggest stars like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, a return to the PGA Tour is possible, although Rahm has said it will be difficult for him to get out of his current contract.
But for those further down the leaderboard, their future is far less certain. That left 2010 US Open winner Graeme McDowell regretting his past comments about LIV.
Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Graeme McDowell admits regret over past LIV Golf comments
Many who signed with LIV said they joined the Saudi-backed league to grow the game or spend more time with their families. Very few admitted that they signed on to line their own pockets and collect the millions of dollars being thrown their way.
Many are still adamant that this was never about the money, but in an honest admission, McDowell said that he regrets not being honest with the public about his decision to join LIV.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said, “I regret a few things I said in the beginning, stuff like growing the game. I should have just said it for what it was: this is good for my bank account, and I’m getting a runway to play the game of golf for as long as I possibly can.”
Q&A
What did Graeme McDowell say about his decision to join LIV Golf?
Graeme McDowell expressed regret over signing with LIV Golf, indicating that the current state of the league is troubling.
Why is LIV Golf facing uncertainty for the next season?
LIV Golf is facing uncertainty because the Saudi Public Investment Fund has withdrawn its support, contradicting previous assurances of funding until 2032.
What could happen to LIV Golf if new investment is not found?
If LIV Golf does not secure new investment, it is likely to face closure, leaving players considering their options.
Who is the CEO of LIV Golf and what did he previously state about funding?
Scott O’Neil is the CEO of LIV Golf, and he previously assured players that the league was fully funded until 2032, a statement now proven false.
