Watson puzzled by critics questioning LIV Golf guaranteed money

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson isn’t sure why LIV Golf players are being heavily criticized by some PGA Tour players for taking guaranteed money from the new circuit.

Watson, 43, told ESPN that he received guaranteed appearance money from sponsors and tournament organizers while playing on the PGA Tour, which wasn’t allowed under the Tour’s rules.

“It makes me laugh because on the PGA Tour, I got paid behind closed doors to show up at tournaments, many tournaments,” Watson told ESPN. “And if Bubba Watson’s not the best, that means the best were getting paid better than me and more than me. And so it’s guaranteed money. I miss the cut, I still make money. I make the cut, I make extra money.”

In a statement to ESPN on Wednesday, the PGA Tour said it “prohibits the payment of appearance money to players as an inducement to play in a particular tournament.”

“We are aware that certain tournament sponsors may contract with a player to perform a sponsor-related activity during tournament week for which they receive nominal compensation,” the PGA Tour statement said. “This is permissible under our guidelines.”

Tiger Woods, among other PGA Tour players, have criticized players for accepting guaranteed, multi-year contracts from LIV Golf, which is being funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Former world No. 1 golfer Dustin Johnson reportedly received more than $125 million to defect to the new circuit and then won another $35 million in prize money and bonuses in its inaugural season.

Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who helped recruit players to LIV Golf, reportedly signed a $200 million deal.

“What these players are doing for guaranteed money, what is the incentive to practice?” Woods told reporters at the 150th Open at St. Andrews in July. “What is the incentive to go out there and earn it in the dirt? You’re just getting paid a lot of money upfront and playing a few events and playing 54 holes.”

Watson didn’t specify how much under-the-table…