In 2022, the golfing world witnessed the emergence of the LIV Golf Series as a potential rival to the long-established US-based PGA Tour. However, the start-up golf league quickly gained traction, attracting several big-name PGA players who decided to jump ship and join the LIV Golf revolution. Among the initial heavy hitters were the likes of established PGA Tour winners Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and others. Who are the Players making the switch to LIV in 2024?
The primary driving force behind the switch of PGA Tour golfers to LIV Golf is simple: Money. LIV Golf, backed by the deep pockets of the Saudi Arabian government’s Public Investment Fund, offered lucrative contracts to players, disrupting the merit-based tradition of the PGA Tour. The PIF also own Saudi Pro League football clubs Al Nassr and Al Hilal, who recently acquired the services of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar. The financial allure is undeniable, with Phil Mickelson, who was the first well-known name to make the move, reportedly receiving a staggering $200 million to switch, setting a precedent for other top-tier players.
Despite the ethical debates, LIV Golf continued to attract golfing icons, including Dustin Johnson, who signed a four-year contract worth a reported $125 million. Even golf’s greatest player, Tiger Woods, was not immune to the allure of LIV Golf, turning down an offer understood to have been in the range of $700 and $800 million.
As these stars (and more) prepare to grace the LIV Golf stage in 2024, it is fair to say that the allure of mega earnings, jaw-dropping contracts, and substantial prize purses have reshaped the golfing landscape. In this new era where contracts rival tradition, the golfing world is experiencing a paradigm shift. SportyTrader, together with Betfred, one of the world’s largest and most well-known bookmakers, will be covering all of the action and events throughout 2024. With an extensive range of markets covering every swing and putt, UK-based Betfred combines cutting-edge technology with live streaming, offering a one-of-a-kind platform for wagering on the thrilling moments of the PGA and LIV Golf competition. In addition, while the players gear up for the riches on the course, Sportytrader offers a promo code for existing customers to use at Betfred so that fans and punters can also join in on the action at no additional cost and potentially make the 2024 season a profitable one. Users can make use of the free predictions from SportyTrader’s golfing experts and access a wealth of information, including in-depth reviews of all the best bookmakers for the 2024 season.
The 2024 LIV Golf Season
So, the question on every golf lover’s lips as we head into the New Year is: Who will be the next to make the switch?
The Confirmed Newcomers for 2024
Jon Rahm
The undoubted biggest confirmed entry in LIV Golf for 2024 is none other than the two-time Major title winner Jon Rahm. Few could have anticipated at the start of 2023 that Rahm would end the year as a member of the LIV Golf roster – but that’s exactly what has happened, making the Spaniard arguably the most significant signing in the competition’s short history.
Rahm put an end to weeks of speculation about his golfing future by committing to LIV Golf in a reported nine-figure deal, etching his name to a roster that already boasts multiple major champions. However, this decision also means that there is likely no coming back for the player, as the PGA Tour subsequently suspended Rahm for his move to LIV Golf. Yet, despite the suspension, LIV Golf’s chief executive Greg Norman remains optimistic and has stated that he foresees an increasing number of players following Rahm’s lead as the new season approaches in February.
Jinichiro Kozuma
Japanese star Jinichiro Kozuma is another who will feature in LIV Golf in 2024. The 29-year-old secured two notable victories – the 2020 Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters and the 2022 Token Homemate Cup. While Kozuma has only made two Major appearances, participating in the 2022 editions of the PGA Championship and the US Open, he faced the challenge of missing the cut on both occasions. Despite this, his ability is unquestionable and has earned him a coveted spot in the league, making him the only Japanese player on LIV Golf’s roster at present.
Andy Ogletree
Andy Ogletree’s addition to LIV Golf was far from straightforward. The American was initially part of the lineup for the inaugural tournament at London’s Centurion Club back in 2022, but he fell short of the mark, finishing at the bottom of the leaderboard. His participation in the competition saw him suspended from the PGA Tour and out in the cold. However, the 2019 US Amateur champion found a pathway back through the Asian Tour and by the year’s end, had claimed victories at the International Series Egypt, followed by triumphs in England and Qatar in 2023. Those performances resulted in Ogletree topping the Order of Merit, thus guaranteeing him a permanent return to LIV Golf.
Kalle Samooja
At 35, Samooja is set to write his name in golfing history as the first Finn to grace the LIV Golf League. With a wealth of experience, including 129 appearances on the DP World Tour and earnings of around $2.6 million, Samooja is poised for a potentially life-changing experience in the upcoming LIV Golf season. Samooja’s first DP World Tour win came at the 2022 Porsche European Open, and he carried his good form into 2023, which saw him claim a notable T4 at the Made In Himmerland. His 2022 win secured his eligibility for the LIV Golf Promotions, and the Finn is now set to become a regular in the competition in 2024.
Kieran Vincent
While Brooks Koepka’s brother, Chase, struggled to sustain his LIV Golf career, the Vincent family has had no such setback. Scott Vincent is already a part of the star-studded roster. Now, his brother, Zimbabwean golfer Kieran Vincent, is readying for the switch in 2024. Aged 26, Kieran turned professional in 2022, initially competing on the PGA Tour Canada before transitioning to the Asian Tour in 2023. Vincent quickly put his name up in lights by securing victory at the International Series Vietnam event, beating LIV Golfers Anirban Lahiri and Kevin Yuan with a one-shot lead. His playoff success at the LIV Golf Promotions event ensured he would join his brother in the 2024 LIV Golf League season.
