The LIV Golf Invitational Series has caused a lot of strife since its inception. The face of the organization is Greg Norman, a guy who made few friends in his time near the top of professional golf, and the backing comes from the Saudi Public Investment Fund. The former isn't as big a deal for people as the latter.

Money, Money, Money

The Saudi fund is controlled by the state of Saudi Arabia and handles billions of dollars in investments. The countries track record for human rights abuses and terrorist organizations puts people on edge when it's known that they are involved in any business. LIV Golf is fully funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and is prepared to lose money for years to gain a foothold in the golf landscape as a true rival to the PGA Tour. Naturally when people learned of the Saudi involvement in the tour, the entire focus shifted from the golf to the people paying for it all.

Shades of Gray

It is easy from a distance to condemn anyone for making a choice that you don't agree with. Knowing outright where the money came from gives some more clarity on the subject but it doesn't make the situation any easier in reality. We only know that the Saudis backed the fund because they in no way tried to hide it. In truth there are so many other ventures around the world backed by organizations or states that do some terrible things but their involvement is ignored because of the convenience of what they offer. That isn't to say that LIV Golf should be applauded because their bankroll is transparent but it should open up the idea that not everything else is pure, no matter who is throwing down the cash.

The "Purity" of Golf

A number of people have been saying that the purity or sanctity of the game of golf is being eroded by LIV Golf. That idea means nothing. Black people used to not be allowed to play golf. Women used to not be allowed to play golf. The "gentleman's game" was archaic for a long time in terms of how it operated within society and did not change without force. Not until Tiger Woods came around and had enormous success did the game of golf and a number of its iconic venues allow black people to participate, and that was the 1990s.

Golf is resistant to change but has had monumental shifts in its past, the biggest of which revolved around money. The modern day PGA Tour was brought about in the late 60s by Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer in efforts to profit more from their immense talents and stardom. In essence, it was about the money. That decision was met with backlash at the time, but people got over it and it didn't tarnish the game forever.

The argument that the game of golf is this pure entity that is being sullied by LIV Golf paying its players exorbitant amounts of money is ridiculous. It's a free market and players have the choice to play where they feel has the best opportunity. The PGA Tour is not a charity, it's a billion dollar business. Yes, they partner with charitable organizations and companies that people like, that in turn donate money but do not be mistaken, the PGA Tour is out to make as much money as it possibly can.

Legitimate Threat

The PGA Tour is threatened by LIV Golf and for good reason. Some of the biggest names in golf have jumped ship to earn more money and still compete at a high level. Outside of the top few players that have made the headlines, for the lesser known players it is a chance to guarantee the ability to play professional golf and provide for your family. At any given PGA Tour event there are around 70 players who go home with nothing and many more that win just enough to cover their travel and expenses. The LIV circuit pays the last place player $120,000, enough for that player to be able to continue their professional pursuits and provide for themselves. That is a tough proposition to turn down for anyone.

The Future of Golf

LIV Golf is showing that other forms of competition, not just the PGA Tour model, can work in golf. There needs to be more innovation in the sport outside of normal stroke play events with some match play mixed in. Outside of the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, more or less the latest innovation in the game of golf was stroke play. This newest tour is pushing the boundaries of the game which should scare Jay Monahan (PGA Tour Commissioner) and the PGA Tour into making some changes.

The high points for LIV tour:

• Eight total events

• $25 million prize purse for each event, winner takes home $4 million, last place earns $120,000

• Each player competes as an individual and part of a 4-man team

• After seven events, the top three overall individuals earn $18, $8, and $4 million respectively

• End of season team match play event with prize pool of $50 million

Who knows how long LIV Golf will stick around but at the least, it is making people think about other ways to play golf at the highest level and injecting some new life into the sport.

Mound Visit

Saints Sports Network is a Christian group that brings you interesting sports coverage. Our name comes from Ephesians 2:18-21 where it notes that all Christians are saints in God's eyes. Therefore we are saints who write about sports but also want to make sure to share the Gospel. That's where Mound Visit comes into play because we all need a visit to the mound from God in good times and bad to recenter our lives and trust in him. We'll do that by highlighting a Bible verse for you to think and pray about in each newsletter that you receive from us.