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For the moment the Saudi-backed venture has proven only
disruptive as it attempts to poach players from the established
PGA and DP (European) Tours, tempting defectors with massive
prize purses like the $25 million up for grabs at next month's
series opener in the Centurion Club outside London.
The eight-stop tour will offer total prize money of $255
million.
With the PGA Tour having threatened member players with
suspensions and fines if they join the breakaway circuit, it is
uncertain what the field at the Centurion Club will look like.
Johnson, reportedly a top recruiting target for the series, will
be watching.
"I think golf is in a good spot, and I think what they're doing
is -- could potentially be good for the game of golf," Johnson
said during his PGA Championship press conference on Wednesday.
"I'm excited to see what happens here in a few weeks. I'll be
watching."
Johnson's enthusiasm stands in contrast to the muted response of
many of the other top players paraded through the PGA
Championship press room.
The more prevailing attitude was expressed by Rory McIlroy, who
said on Tuesday he was sick of talking about the LIV series and
wanted it over.
Another common sentiment was repeated by Jordan Spieth, who like
most of his fellow golfers believes it simply comes down to an
individual choice.
"The Saudi league, or the LIV league, everybody can do what they
want to do," said Spieth, who can complete a career Grand Slam
if he can walks off with the PGA Championship Wanamaker trophy
on Sunday. "No players are standing in any players' way.
"If they want to go, go. I love where I'm at. I've been saying
that for a long time."
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Tulsa. Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
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