And to think it was nearly a year ago to the day that Saudi-funded LIV Golf teed off in its inaugural event as a rival and a threat, flush with defectors from golf’s top circuit.

Source: https://www.courant.com/2023/06/07/pga-tour-commissioner-has-heated-meeting-with-players-after-liv-merger/

As things stand, those majors remain open to the players who joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League, with Ridley stating in December that anyone eligible under its “current criteria” would be invited for 2023.

Source: https://waterford-news.ie/2023/03/31/tiger-woods-may-be-upstaged-by-augusta-national-chairman-fred-ridley-at-masters/

It set tongues wagging online, with many golf fans desperate to know who is defecting to play in the Saudi-funded golf tour.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/golf/article-12843761/Australian-golf-identity-reveals-home-grown-star-currently-final-stage-negotiations-join-LIV-circuit.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Pereira signed with LIV Golf at the start of this year and will be going for his first victory on the Saudi-funded league.

Source: https://www.perthnow.com.au/sport/golf/pereira-leads-liv-golf-dc-smith-three-back-c-10793537

The move marks a continuation of the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in sport, following a spate of high-profile signings and mergers, including one between the Saudi-funded LIV Golf and the PGA Tour last week.

Source: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2023/06/saudi-soccer-team-secures-ngolo-kante-move-chelsea