How The Controversial LIV Tour Is DISRUPTING Pro Golf

After months of speculation and controversy, the breakaway LIV Golf tour is officially underway, with its inaugural tournament in London throwing the present and future of professional golf into complete disarray. All of sudden, the PGA’s effective monopoly is no more, and despite the boatload of practical and moral questions surrounding the rival LIV Series - which is funded by the Saudi Arabian government - its launch has profoundly reshaped the landscape of the sport.
Written & Narrated by: Jonah Birenbaum (@Birenball | Twitter)
Produced and Edited by: Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni | Twitter)
Thumbnail Design by: Justin Shipley (@shipleysportstudio | Instagram)
Courtesy List: pastebin.com/wTn9T623
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#PGA #liv #golf

[@justgary2471]

fantastic. This reminds me of when the NCAA faced no threats until the players started figuring out they could earn good money not going to Uni. Force those hands baby!

[@romiarkan450]

It's only one event into this new golf league and it's already living rent-free inside the PGA's head. It's amazing.

[@pmelt24]

FACTS

[@mannyo1968]

Suena a que estan asustados

[@jaketwigg1065]

Yea, because it’s by oil barons that cut up humans. Keep your head down peon, you’ll be rich one day too 🤣🤣

[@edmontalvo4364]

Hahaha seriously! Well put friend!!

[@Suspect333]

@@jaketwigg1065 guess what country supplies Saudi Arabia with their weapons?

[@bonanimathambo8721]

PGA hates that they have competition now.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

Pissed their monopoly and full control of the players is over.

[@JP71165]

LIV Tour can’t buy this much attention from PGA and the Sports media.

[@bakedscience6888]

They are. And they will. Will make pga pivot

[@sstar202]

As long as Saudi's funding the whole damn thing.

[@fivepillars4880]

@@sstar202 everything you buy in america has some saudi money it . especially all that gas and energy you use. Americas number 1 business partner is saudi arabia. wonder why ever president goes and visits saudi within year 1 of there presidancy. So PGA created this narrative to try to make LIV look like some evil business when in fact its no differently funded than a lot of corporations in the US . Capatalism is the core of America and PGA doesnt like that

[@estanislao9677]

You said this 1 year ago right? How about now? Its all about money my friend. Welcome to earth, nasty place. PGA talks sh..t about LIV. LIV pays PGA, PGA and LIV are friends now because PGA realized it would result on more profit for them. Its all about money. If you want real sport love, go and practice amateur sports. Honestly, that is the best 💪🏻

[@thegamingrelish9272]

Let's be honest this doesn't concern the public that watch golf. The PGA will eventually allow all LIV players to compete ones they realise the potential loss they will gain loosing major players. Look from a pro players point of view you're top 100 in the world and if you finish under 30 or 40 in a PGA competition you getting very little earnings. Where as with LIV you walk away with 120k if you finish last. So from a players point of view it's a win win you still play against the best in the world and earn way more money. Also the fact that the Americans are bringing up Saudi Arabia politics or past mistakes as if the American government is "perfect"

[@sstar202]

The Golf business to be honest is all about money. Whether its coming from Billionaires, tv revenue and/or advertisers or from Blood Money.

[@baileystark7629]

Blood money is way worse. That’s like saying all crime is the same.

[@skp8748]

@@baileystark7629 then why does every company in America accept it?

[@blackseminole22]

I don't understand why it's a big deal beside the PGA not being able to monopolize golf anymore. The US is corrupt as well so

[@baileystark7629]

Probably because it’s benefiting an oppressive government.

[@2011gcraig]

That's the only reason.

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

Professionals play for money. Until now, the only route to big money was the PGA Tour and, from what I've seen, the Tour wants to keep its monopoly on big money golf so it has its media sycophants - most notably on the Golf Channel - keeping up a constant drone of anti-LIV propaganda. IMO, if the PGA Tour had simply granted the waivers for its members to play in some LIV tournaments, There would have been some media criticism but the LIV would have been just a curiosity. But, that twit Jay Monahan decided to declare war and the LIV has gotten more publicity than I could have imagined. The LIV offers the kind of guaranteed money that the PGA Tour can't so, is it any wonder Tour players are defecting? IIRC, the LIV has come to agreements with both the Euro DP Tour and the Asian Tour, so it would be in the best interests of the PGA Tour to come to a settlement with the LIV, though that would likely require someone with intelligence and sense, so Jay Monahan would probably have to go. It's in the best interests of the game for the Tour and the LIV to coexist, not be at war with one another. PS The Golf Channel is becoming tiresome with that douchebag Brandel Chamblee on his high moral horse about Saudi money being "dirty money" and the rest of those talking heads singing the praise of the Jay Monahan and the PGA Tour. You mean, there is not 1 voice of disagreement there, not 1 kind word for the LIV? Well, it should be apparent to all that it should probably rename itself the PGA Tour Propaganda Channel, that would be more accurate.

[@freeguy3751]

This is the most articulate youtube comment I've seen on this issue 👍

[@baileystark7629]

Well they are an abusive authoritarian government.

[@affanmuhammadali9701]

Nah from how I see it, it's just quarrel about money, both sides clearly doesn't care about "morality" Or "human rights"

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

If the PGA Tour cared so much about "human rights" they sure as hell would not be having the "Race To Dubai". The entire UAE is built with slave labor from India and Pakistan who eat mice to stay alive.

[@bloodsweatandbeers9670]

Thas so awesome the US OPEN is allowing those guys to play in the tournament. That alone is awesome. I came up through the mini tour era. I myself and so many of my lifelong golf colleagues have to dish out so much money to get event to event. Hotels all that. Hard to get sponsors at that level also. Money licks. It's survival. Love of the game. So I'm happy these guys are getting paid. 200 million for Phil is bye bye PGA tour grind. Hello kick back

[@ceufrscio707]

Tiger woods rejected 1 billion dollars

[@nicmumford3188]

He already has a billion dollars🤣

[@jaaaajaaa7135]

@@nicmumford3188 he doesn’t

[@millabasset1710]

Because he's not a greedy scrub who is betraying modern values.

[@dickdavidson3616]

@@jaaaajaaa7135 sorry mate he does. Saw the newspaper article last week.

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

Maybe, they should have offered Tiger something more in his scope of interest, like some money and a different Perkins waitress every week for a year. (I'm remembering why he crashed the fire hydrant on front of his Orlando area home some years back when his then wife discovered his infidelity.)

[@marknorris4555]

Using a bogus 'human rights violations' to cover their monopoly on Golf. So stupid

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

PGA Tour has competition now thats a serious threat. They have no way to fight back other than to slander the players and talk about human rights issues.

[@alphaomega7433]

An appeal to morality, one of the oldest forms of manipulation. A powerful tool against the uninitiated.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

@@alphaomega7433 PGA Tour propaganda machine is running on full blast.

[@vincentchang2673]

LIV Golf gives me super league vibes

[@jbracq2008]

America acting like they have any sort of morality, what an absolute joke.

[@simoncaton1226]

Hmmmmm even golf can’t be safe from sportswashing

[@finalfrontier001]

Never saw any mention of Saudi or logo.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

"Sportwashing" is a nonsense term made up by social justice warriors.

[@123axton]

This is the new Caddyshack,,with LIV as Rodney Dangerfeild,,and the PGA is Ted Knight...

[@mrb43605]

Great analogy! How True! We know how that worked out!

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

The new "Caddyshack"...I can see it now. Greg Norman in the pro shop and he sees Jay Monahan walk by and says, "Jay, that hair. The rug on my hotel room floor looks better than that. Oh, but on you, it looks good." Then rolls his eyes ironically.

[@davidmahady8241]

Who plays the groundhog?

[@123axton]

@@davidmahady8241 The LPGA,,,lol

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

@@123axton LOL!!!!!!

[@dougie6897]

Wasn’t it Dolly Parton who wrote a catchy little Country & Western number about Jays situation….. Golf LIV golf LIV golf LIV golf Liiv I’m begging of you Please don’t take my men Please don’t take them Just because you can …. They talk about you in their sleep and there’s nothing I can do to keep , from crying when they call your name Golf LIV…..

[@J4RMAMS]

Golf is an art form and while enjoying the thrill I enjoy a fine cigar. There are levels to fine handcrafted premium cigar and spirits. Selective boutique manufacturers like Didier Cigars is truly special. I’ve done the pairing with Angels Envy and a Salomon from Didier Cigars. The experience is truly magical and sophisticated.

[@matthiasfh]

Two things that I love: 1. The perception of Saudia Arabia by 9/11 victims. The US-Government has this ally for decades in the Middle East and suddenly citizens are bothered? Most of you need a Bootcamp in recent history... 2. We've had a similar case in Europe with the UEFA and the planned super league. This was started by the clubs itself (or at least planned) in order to generate more revenue streams. The UEFA was outraged, just like the media as it would ruin football. The bottom line with all of these organizers is, that they don't own the sport but pretend they do.

[@sams4717]

Good opportunity for Rickie Fowler…

[@geoopolis]

When is LIV hosting the Khashoggi Cup Tournament?

[@LanceRomanceF4E]

I gave it a year, but LIV is boring af. I don’t blame the players for cashing in, but LIV has four good players. Rahm, Dechambeau, Keopke and Johnson. The others are past their prime or never had a prime. Nobody cares about team play outside the Ryder Cup.

[@richardharris885]

All players and caddies of the pga, lpga, asian and european tours.Should be paid $100 million each.With all tournament winings & sponorship dollars going to charities.And the many volunteers of these events.

[@hodell82]

It's interesting how all the people in this comment section are trashing the PGA tour now. You've been watching PGA tour events for decades, and supporting their sponsors, thus contributing to their "monopoly", but no one heard you complaining about the PGA Tour's "monopoly" then. My argument is this - if a player signs up to be a PGA Tour member, he is bound by the conditions of membership. Don't like the conditions? Don't sign the agreement, and don't accept a PGA Tour card.

[@robertbrown7470]

By the way, it's disrupting the PGA, not pro golf.

[@Nobody-xe9fc]

Why does everyone see the Saudis as bad terrible people just because their way of life and culture so vastly differs from our own? If anything, the progress the KSA have made in reaching out to the world through sport makes me feel good about the future of the middle east.

[@kbrown4ou]

Anyone who wishes to sell their soul to the highest bidder should have the freedom to do so.

[@robertbrown7470]

I don't watch these gossip channels, most of which cropped up around June through October 2022. This channel came about in 2017 apparently. LIV Golf is professional golf. So the title is nonsense to beging with. The professional golfers that spent their lives becoming professional golfers can play for whatever league they can play for or want to play for. Most of these type of channels dealing with LIV is a PGA vs LIV. They don't like the idea that there will be and now is a competitie golf tour to the PGA. As I understand it, some of the top pro golfers broke off from a PGA of America league or tour and formed the PGA, something like that. What traitors they must have been?

[@fabi57iamracer]

Bring down FIFA and FIA monopoly as well.

[@Vulneravariable]

Monopolies are bad…..except for my monopoly…..that’s different.

[@Patch801]

Are western corporations or non sport professionals blasted in the same way. No. Half the construction professionals and corporations involved in the red sea and neom construction development are western. So at what point does one get judged for taking a paycheck.

[@Ralph_Malph]

PGA monopoly being challenged by LIV .....

[@Tacone87]

Its breaking rn that the pga and liv just merged!

[@masontownsend4721]

I can no longer watch any form of PGA golf. Show you that they are not a supporter of human rights. Can't believe they would support sports washing.

[@blurayauthority]

I don't see the big deal. They should be able to play on any tour they want, LIV, PGA or European, etc.

[@alphaomega7433]

The Forbes Athlete list this year will basically just be the LIV roster.

[@sammalloc269]

You think pga would say no to Saudi sponsorship? Let's be real.

[@kenadvocate]

There’s enough space

[@xxlxpman]

PGA is running scared.

[@CarolineKitchen-jd3cg]

This is REALLY MESSED UP.

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

RIP PGA Tour!! Hahaha!!!

[@edmontalvo4364]

PGA is done hahah. So funny they are literally shook haha!!

[@fivepillars4880]

the money was always there. PGA was always making enormous profits by monopolizing the sport . Americas number 1 business partner is saudi fund, so that excuse is created by PGA greedy owners

[@dr86688]

this reminds me of wwe vs wcw

[@CarolineKitchen-jd3cg]

NO MORE GOLF FOR ME.

[@fivepillars4880]

Roy is loyal to PGA beacuse he owns golf TV and rights to PGA games being on there platform. PGA is salty because they now got exposed on how so many golfers dont make any money unless they win. its took control of people without any guanrtee while they rake in huge profits all these years. just recentley dumping in 196mill of guanrtee money. so where did that money come from, they say it isnt because of LIV . lol

[@adammaxwell5250]

Go golfer's promoting that extra oil Funded cash they don't need and therefore contributing n comprising yours and all our kid's future yeeeeeee!!!!!!!........💪😤🤙

[@brianbadonde9251]

Oh no!! Anyways....

[@floxy20]

LIV is a series of exhibitions. Players are free to join just as a talented basketball player can either play in the NBA or play for the Harlem Globetrotters. In other words play a real sports league or a clown show.

[@alphaomega7433]

NBA players are actual employees and absolutely can not play for the Harlem Globetrotters. Golfers are independent contractors. Run from it, bash it, fear it all you want. LIV is for real and there isn’t a damn thing you can do to stop it. Tell your Mom I say hi✌️

[@Chips505]

I swear, Trump is upturning all the apple carts. Dude is going to be super dupa rich by time he’s done.

[@tedgarcia6575]

- --- the question is how long will Saudi support a losing LIV Golf? With massive prize money and paltry sales tickets, LIV Golf is unsustainable unless Saudi is willing to take the loss and continue financially supporting it.

[@bradleymartintoper2155]

The saudis have money to burn. They could spend at this rate for 100 years easy. If they get the players they will make a killing. Think of what the pga is worth

[@alphaomega7433]

“Amazon has lost money every fucking quarter for the last 20 years and that Bezos motherfucker is the king.” - Russ Hanneman

[@Diogenes-ty9yy]

This rhetorical question reminds me of one a reporter asked HL Hunt, the father of Lamar Hunt, one of the founders of the AFL. He said that Lamar had lost $1 million in the first year of the AFL and was HL worried Lamar would go broke? HL answered, "Well , if he keeps that up for the next 60 years, yes, he'll go broke." With the LIV, the Saudis have billions to invest so, I suppose even they might go broke...in 500 years time. They get $1 BILLION per day in oil revenue, lots of discretionary spending money there.

[@davidbonilla7770]

+11 #karma

[@finalfrontier001]

Name one of the human rights abuses and its "oppressive" you have to live there to say that.

[@davidbonilla7770]

What a disgrace all these golfers are.

[@abouttime2569]

What a narrow-minded one-dimensional emotion based take.

[@davidbonilla7770]

@@abouttime2569 the one dimension is human rights violations like amputations, treating woman like property and dismemberment of journalist. Btw I know it helps your pointless argument but I have some research on this.

[@abouttime2569]

@@davidbonilla7770 They are both one-dimensional. Just because you are opposing a one-dimensonal idea, doesn't make your opinion not one-dimensional.

[@davidbonilla7770]

@@abouttime2569 what a weird, weak and nonsensical argument you’re making. Have anything of substance? I named several issues btw

[@abouttime2569]

@@davidbonilla7770 I have to write at least a 15 page paper to prove how your opinion is a narrow-minded one-dimensional emotion based take. Unless you are gonna pay me 500 bucks, ain't gonna do it.

[@orionsgolfer]

Looks like none of these old lovers will be able to win the masters ever again....good