Just over eight months ago the best of golf’s European and American talent teed off in the 43rd Ryder Cup. Team Europe emerged on the losing side last September – but this week they could suffer an even greater loss.
The LIV Golf Invitational Series, which has dominated headlines and sparked heated debates for months, hosted its $25million (£20m) inaugural event at the Centurion Club this week, much to the displeasure of the PGA and DP World Tours.
As golf enters a period of civil war of LIV vs PGA, greater questions have emerged over the sport’s OG rivalry – Europe vs USA.
The Saudi-backed league has managed to lure some of the sport’s biggest names to the rebellion with its staggering £180m prize pot, but despite the mega-money deals being dangled, the Saudi revolution does not come with a safety net.
The rebels are running the risk of being banned from both tours’ tournaments – most significantly the Ryder Cup.
The Saudi rebels’ punishment could also have damaging consequences for both sides of the great Ryder Cup rivalry.
As the future of their stars hangs in the balance, Sportsmail takes a look at who will emerge worse off from the fallout – Team Europe or Team USA.
Team Europe could be set to lose Ryder Cup icons Lee Westwood (left) and Ian Poulter (right)
Team USA have an abundance of young talent but can it make up for the loss of two stars?
Former World No 1 Dustin Johnson, veteran Phil Mickelson and European greats Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell all played in the 48-man field for the opening 54-hole tournament this week.
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed became the next names to join the rebels with Rickie Fowler also widely expected to sign up.
The Americans appear set for a strict punishment at the hands of the PGA Tour.
In January 2020, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan warned that any player who joined a rival tour would face a suspension and possibly a lifetime one.
Dustin…
Source : dailymail
