10 turncoat PGA Tour stars who joined LIV Golf after dramatically changing their mind
Since the arrival of LIV Golf, the Saudi-backed league have managed to poach numerous PGA Tour stars who previously pledged allegiance to their previous stomping ground
The embarrassment of riches offered up by the LIV Golf has proved too difficult to turn down for several of golf's biggest stars.
Since the launch of the Saudi-backed league in June 2022, it's changed the face of professional golf as we know it with the PGA Tour having to say goodbye to numerous players, including the likes of Jon Rahm, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka.
That legendary trio, among many more, were guilty of initially pledging allegiance to the PGA Tour only to turn their back on it once LIV came calling. Mirror Sport is delving into PGA traitors who now ply their trade on the Saudi circuit.
Bryson DeChambeau
The two-time U.S. Open champion initially poured cold water on reports that he'd agreed to sign for LIV Golf when he said: "While there has been a lot of speculation surrounding my support for another tour, I want to make it very clear that as long as the best players in the world are playing the PGA Tour, so will I."
It was four months later when DeChambeau was announced as LIV's latest marquee signing, signing a reported four-year deal worth $125million (£95million). Speaking after joining the league, the golfer said: "One of the things for me it was a personal business decision. For me I run and operate my golf as a business as well as wanting to be one of the better players in the world."
Harold Varner III
The Akron native claimed a deal to join LIV Golf was not in the stars for him after speaking to NBA legend and golf enthusiast Michael Jordan.
"I'm obviously not going. I've spoken with [PGA Tour commissioner] Jay [Monahan], I've spoken with a lot of people I look up to and it just wasn't worth it to me for what it was worth, that's pretty simple," Varner III said last year.
The 34-year-old acknowledged the hate he was likely to receive after going back on his word, admitting that he finds it "terrible" to face the wrath of the public. "Who likes to be hated? It's terrible. I hate being hated. I'd rather not be -- not even be known than be hated," he said.
Jon Rahm
Responsible for perhaps the biggest shock in golf's recent years, Jon Rahm performed a complete 180 from disparaging LIV Golf's format to signing a reported deal worth $350m (£266m) to become one of their prized assets.
When discussing rumours of him leaving the PGA Tour, the Spaniard said: "I laugh when people rumour me with LIV Golf. I've never liked the format. Phil [Mickelson] respects my decision, and I respect his [choice]. He has told me that I have no reason to go play for LIV, and he has told me that multiple times."
Fast forward four months, Rahm angered the PGA community by announcing his mammoth deal with the Saudi league which he said was the best decision for him and his family.
Pat Perez
The 48-year-old was as blunt as can be when he was asked whether he was "getting on the Saudi train" back in 2022 to which he answered back on his Instagram "f*** no".
Perez also doubted the longevity of LIV Golf as he said: "The biggest question is there's no guarantee with that tour. The PGA Tour’s going to be around a long time. If 60 guys leave, there's going to be 60 more guys that come up and fill those spots."
The American's tune underwent a drastic change when he signed with the league while going on a tirade in his efforts to dismiss sportswashing. "I know everybody's talking about sportswashing and all of that, but Jay [Monahan] goes everywhere on a G4 [private plane].
"What do you think that f***ing thing's filled up on? It's not solar. It's not a Tesla, last time I checked. It's gas. You think he's worried about the gas bill? I know they don't have their own f***ing oil field in Jacksonville."
Brooks Koepka
The five-time major champion was as loyal as they come when it came to supporting the PGA Tour when he said: "Everyone talks about money. They've got enough of it. I don't see it [LIV] backing down; they can just double up and they'll figure it out. They'll get their guys. Somebody will sell out and go to it."
However, the reported four-year $100m (£76m) must have done wonders to Koepka's perspective who had just three words in store when signing for LIV where he said: "Opinions change, man".
Cameron Smith
The Aussie called the PGA Tour the "pinnacle of golf" in March 2022 as he seemingly dug his roots in the historic Tour with his comments coming months before his triumph at the Open Championship.
"I want to be competing against the best guys in the world, and if they're playing over here, then I want to be playing against them," Smith said.
His maiden major victory came with increased popularity and value of the golfer that saw him clinch a reported deal worth $120m (£91m) to join the new league, admitting that the sheer amount of cash was too difficult to refuse.
"[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won't ignore that or say that wasn't a reason. It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn't ignore," he added.
Dustin Johnson
While the two-time major winner expressed his intention to stay with the PGA Tour, Johnson was forthright in his decision to change his mind to sign a reported deal worth $125m (£100m) with LIV.
"At that time I was committed to playing the PGA Tour. I'm very thankful for the PGA Tour and everything it's done for me. I've done pretty well out there for the last 15 years," Johnson said at LIV Golf Centurion.
"This is something that I thought was best for me and my family, and I'm very excited about playing. Obviously this is the first week and yeah, it's something exciting. It's something new. Yeah, I think it's great for the game of golf. That's why I'm here."
Joaquin Neimann
The Chilean said there was "no chance" of him exiting the PGA Tour in favour of LIV as he said in June 2022: "Nothing to tell from me [on LIV Golf]. I want to do my best to beat all these guys. They're still here and as long as they're here [PGA Tour], I'm not going anywhere. No chance."
There was a speedy change in Neimann's thinking as two months later, he signed for the Saudi league, indicating the opportunity to be a captain of Torque GC and the obvious financial motivations as the reasons behind his farewell.
"The team aspect was the main thing that motivated me. Obviously financial, financially was nice, too. But bringing the team format out and being able to represent that team, being a captain I think is a new chapter of my life.
"I'm really excited about that, and do the best I can as I always try to do when I'm on the golf course and off the golf course. I just try to always be the best I can on everything."
Henrik Stenson
Henrik Stenson was beaming with pride when he was chosen to be Europe's Ryder Cup captaincy as he said: "When I started out as a professional golfer, it was beyond my wildest dreams that, one day, I would follow in the footsteps of legends of the game such as Seve [Ballesteros] and be the European Ryder Cup captain".
However, the dream soon turned into a nightmare for the Swede who was reportedly given an ultimatum to either retain the captaincy or join LIV Golf. The 48-year-old chose the latter as he pointed out the financial package and calibre of players joining him as the key reasons driving his departure from the PGA Tour.
Paul Casey
Due to his previous work as an ambassador for UNICEF, Paul Casey admitted ethical implications were behind his decision not to compete in golf events in Saudi Arabia.
He went as far as to call himself a hypocrite if he ever took to the links in the country as he said: "I would be a hypocrite if I did that. Anyone who says sport isn’t political, that’s rubbish. I’m glad I took a stance, more so if it highlighted the issues within the region especially next door in Yemen."
However, the Brit certainly had a change of heart when it came to signing with LIV Golf in 2022 as he said at the time of his announcement: "But I can honestly look you in the eye and say that I see a trajectory, a positive trajectory in the kingdom, and it was a really good experience that I've had when I've been there, and I hope it continues."
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