‘Woods turned down a deal that was mind-blowingly enormous.’
Tiger Woods turned down a figure close to $1billion to join the Saudi golf revolution, according to former golfer Greg Norman.
It comes after the announcement that six-time major champion Phil Mickelson will end his four-month exile from golf at the inaugural Saudi-backed LIV series event at St Albans on Thursday.
Mickelson hasn’t competed since he gave two controversial interviews in January, however, he has reportedly been tempted back by a signing-on fee for the series of more than €100m.
🚨#UPDATE: Tiger Woods rejected a “mind blowingly enormous” offer to join LIV GOLF. The deal was in “the high 9 digits” according to Greg Norman, in a new exclusive with The Washington Post. (Via @GolfDigest)
— TWLEGION (@TWlegion) June 6, 2022
Tiger rejects ‘mind-blowing’ offer
However, Norman has since claimed that Woods rejected a ‘mind-blowing’ offer to be part of the Saudi golf tour.
“Woods turned down a deal that was mind-blowingly enormous; we’re talking about high nine digits,” he said.
The Australian, who was talking to the Washington Post, also accused Rory McIlroy and others of being ‘brainwashed’ against the rebel circuit and Jack Nicklaus of being a ‘hypocrite’ for siding with the PGA Tour.
Norman was also annoyed after Nicklaus came out in support of the status quo last week, adding: “Jack attended a LIV presentation and said in an email that the tour had his blessing.
“Know what you said before you open your mouth.”
In regard to the supposed brainwashing, Norman suggested that executives and agents were ‘conspiring against LIV to protect an antiquated system that prevents golfers from realising their own power and worth.’
Na resigns from PGA tour
Kevin Na has opted to resign from the PGA Tour rather than face litigation for signing for Norman – despite the LIV Golf CEO promising to financially support players in any subsequent legal action.
This was a very difficult decision for me. I hope my fans will continue to support me wherever I choose to play. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/3Vp2e7cPfH
— Kevin Na (@kevinna915) June 4, 2022
“I’m a bit surprised, actually,” said Norman.
“The players don’t have to resign from the Tour. That was Kevin’s decision for whatever reason he wanted to make it.
“Like I’ve always said, we’re going to back up the players. I’ll back up the players as much as I need to, to give them their rights to be able to do whatever they want to do as independent contractors.”
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