What is the LIV Golf Series and how will it work?

How did this come about? Saudi Arabia’s increasing involvement in sport saw them target golf, initially via single tournaments on existing male and female tours. This quickly evolved into a lucrative series, fronted by Greg Norman but strongly opposed by the PGA and DP World Tours. This event is one of eight planned across the world in 2022 in a serious disruption plan.

Who has signed up? Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Sergio García, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer are the biggest names on view. The 48-man field includes amateurs and 27 of the world’s top 150 ranked players.

Who hasn’t signed up? Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are the highest profile opponents of the LIV plan. None of the world’s top 10 have any apparent interest in it. There is recurring speculation, though, that Bryson DeChambeau might be tempted to join.

Why is it called LIV Golf? This relates to Roman numerals. Fifty four is the score under par if every hole in an LIV tournament is a birdie. Each competition is played over three rounds, as opposed to the four that are standard on mainstream tours.

What is the playing format? The overriding plan has been to deliver a shorter and more exciting model. Standard stroke play takes place over 54 holes but within that comes a team element, presided over by a dozen captains. Players for those teams were selected at a draft party on Tuesday evening. The top three teams will win prizes.

What is the prize money? The winner will receive $4m (£3.2m) from a $20m individual pot. Second earns $2.125m with third collecting $1.5m. Last place is worth $120,000. The winning team will pocket $3m, split evenly among four, with $1.5m and $500,000 on offer for second and third respectively.

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