While rumors persist about the creation of a Saudi-backed Super Golf League as early as next year, a number of high-profile PGA Tour players have asked for permission to play in the Saudi International tournament on the Asian Tour in February.
According to a Golfweek report, eight players – including world No. 2 and defending champion Dustin Johnson – are seeking waivers from the PGA Tour allowing them to participate in the controversial event.
Johnson, who has won the event two of the previous three years, is joined by 2020 champion Graeme McDowell, Abraham Ancer, Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood, Henrik Stenson, Kevin Na and Jason Kokrak, according to the report.
The tour has until 30 days before the event to grant waivers to players to compete elsewhere. Johnson’s case could be particularly difficult considering he has played in the Saudi event all three years it has existed, winning it twice, and he is the defending champion.
Should the PGA Tour not grant a waiver to the players, they would be subject to disciplinary action should they choose to play anyway.
The Saudi International had been part of the European Tour but has moved to the Asian Tour schedule in 2022. It is seen by many as a way for Saudi Arabian officials to use sports to improve the country’s image internationally.
Additionally, the proposed Super Golf League is seen as a threat to both the PGA and European tours if it comes into existence. It is expected to offer a number of top-level players eight-figure deals to join a new organization that is expected to play its own schedule with a team aspect included.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has introduced the $40 million Player Impact Program and an initiative that will pay every tour player $50,000 if they compete in 15 events in one season, steps designed to enhance player compensation and blunt any desire players might have to potentially join a new league.
“I think in life you always have to be cognizant of; number one, there should be zero complacency to anything you do; and number two, someone is always going to try to do … someone is always going to try to take … compete and take something away from you,” Monahan said at the Tour Championship when asked about the possible creation of new professional golf organizations.
Ron Green Jr.