Saudi-backed golf circuit 'scary' | 'Nothing to stop' them producing own stars

DP World Tour golfer Matt Southgate has warned it is too early to write off the new Saudi-backed golf circuit and believes it can still dominate the sport in the future.

The Greg Norman-fronted LIV Golf Invitational Series consists of eight 54-hole events across three continents over a five-month period, with prize purses bigger than anything currently available in the professional game.

Phil Mickelson's agent revealed on Monday the six-time major winner has requested a release from the PGA Tour to play the first event in June, with Robert Garrigus among the others seeking permission to also be part of the 48-man field.

Many of the world's top players have already distanced themselves from any potential breakaway circuit, with Rory McIlroy saying earlier this year the potential league was "dead in the water" after Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau released statements to commit to the PGA Tour, although Southgate believes the Tour can still succeed.

"The most overlooked thing with the Saudi Tour at the minute is that everybody is focusing on the players of today and nobody is thinking of the players of tomorrow," Southgate told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "Five years ago, we didn't know Bob MacIntyre, we didn't know Scottie Scheffler, we don't know Viktor Hovland or either of the Hojgaard brothers. When you start going through the list of players who weren't on Tour five years ago, it's quite significant.

"Should they have a stumbling block today because they can't get the players of today, there's nothing stopping them producing the players of tomorrow. That's where it's tough. If I was Keith Pelley, I'd be looking at how to stop them taking those players who will potentially be in and around the Saudi tour in five