News
Full field for LIV Golf opener unveiled (with a few surprises)
The field is set for the first tournament of the controversial LIV Golf Series.
The three-round, 54-hole, no-cut inaugural LIV event is set to take place from June 9-11 at the Centurion Club outside of London, England.
Some notable players in the field include Dustin Johnson, Sergio Garcia, Kevin Na, Martin Kaymer, Richard Bland, Louis Oosthuizen, Sam Horsfield, Matt Jones, Brandon Jones, and Talor Gooch.
Here is the full field for the event:
The total purse for the first event is $25 million. $20 million will be awarded in the individual portion of the tournament with $4 million going to the winner.
The PGA TOUR is expected to provide details about what the punishment will be for those competing in the LIV Golf Series shortly. Commissioner Jay Monahan previously said players teeing it up in a LIV Golf event will face suspension and a potential lifetime ban.
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Disgusted Guy
Jun 9, 2022 at 7:17 am
Who knew Rory was such a sage? He said decisions solely based on money rarely end well. Well done that man!
I hope the PGA tour breaks it off in their butts. Money grabbing over pampered bums.
This won’t end well for the B players that jumped. Can’t compete on the “real” tour and as long as Bernhard is on the senior tour they can’t win there. If we never hear from Johnson, Garcia, Westwood or McDowell again we will be OK. Was always a massive Phil fan but a dumb move on his part.
Name a major sport ($$$$) that isn’t a monopoly? WNBA excluded.
Don’t like the rules move on and find another way to make a living. This one has a stink that won’t go away.
The $40 mil Phil pissed away gambling would have changed the life of generations of your family if used properly. It all came from being a member of the PGA tour. He’s doing OK.
If you look at the players that jumped there is a common thread- waning skills due to age, never had top skills, want the big payday at the end, etc.
They really don’t care about the game or giving back.
Remember what Sergio said- I can’t wait to get out of here.
Screw ‘em.
Pingback: The ‘mind-blowingly enormous’ offer Tiger Woods reportedly turned down from LIV Golf – GolfWRX
dave d
Jun 2, 2022 at 2:21 pm
This whole thing is clearly all about Greg Norman wanting to get paid untold millions per year simply to be Greg Norman…visible, charismatic, feisty.
He found some suckers (the Saudis) to fulfill his dream. What do you figure he’s making per year on this as leader? $10M? $50M $100M? Sadly, the players choosing to participate will be collateral damage as Norman takes a huge check from the Saudis for a year or two — as long as this fantasy can be sustained, which won’t be long with this kind of a field — and Norman will walk away with a bunch of money, no harm done.
Pingback: ‘Love that for us’ – Multiple LPGA Tour champ takes aim at LIV Golf ahead of US Women’s Open – GolfWRX
Brian
Jun 1, 2022 at 11:09 am
Ironic that Poulter would job a social media boycott to protest racial discrimination by users on the platforms but he’ll happily take money from a royal family that openly discriminates against 50% of its own citizens.
Jafar
Jun 1, 2022 at 10:25 am
The number of high ranking amateur players should be the biggest concern for the PGA. Why grind it out on the KF Tour when you can bank 20 million out the gate.
Don
Jun 1, 2022 at 10:23 am
Some will sell their integrity for the almighty dollar, if they even had any.
derek gzaskow
Jun 1, 2022 at 9:06 am
um, where’s Phil I thought he was going? $75 per day not bad for Pumpkin ridge, Tulsa was 250 per day, let the ;lawsuits commence!
Pingback: Amateur golfer has reportedly received an unbelievable sum to play in LIV Golf series – GolfWRX
Chad
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:51 am
I hope this tour runs the PGA into the ground.
Hopp
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:21 am
Here is the list of people chasing money to replace their integrity.
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:25 am
Yeah, like the LPGA, The NBA, NASCAR and all the other sport entities who play in Saudi sponsored events and territories.
Geno452
Jun 1, 2022 at 4:46 pm
NBA?… NASCAR?…. LPGA (actually it is the Ladies European Tour not the LPGA) Don’t know where you came up with NASCAR and NBA but… hey… I don’t know everything either.
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:29 am
Yeah, like the LPGA, The NBA, Nascar, The European Tour and all the rest of sports entities who play in events taking place and/or sponsored by/or with Saudi groups. So much hypocrisy and dishonesty.
Pingback: RBC ‘extremely disappointed’ with ambassador Dustin Johnson’s decision to play LIV Golf opener – GolfWRX
Bob
Jun 1, 2022 at 12:15 am
Well, bye. C-list losers and has-beens.
LOL.
reqq
Jun 1, 2022 at 5:41 am
you’re not wrong lol.. whos gonna watch that..like zero hype
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 8:23 am
Congrats to Johnson, Garcia, Na and all the rest for having the courage to stand up to the PGA and its dictatorial regime. Pro Golfers are independent agents and are allowed to practice their craft wherever and whenever they wish. The PGA needs to be sued.
Jed
Jun 1, 2022 at 9:58 am
Comedian
John Krug
Jun 1, 2022 at 10:09 am
Laughable comment.
Gary
Jun 1, 2022 at 3:11 pm
I guess we will see how funny it all is if and/or when it ends up in court. Time will tell.
Brian
Jun 1, 2022 at 11:10 am
You’re right. They should jump ship from one “dictatorial” regime and take their paychecks from an ACTUAL dictatorial regime.
Geno452
Jun 1, 2022 at 5:16 pm
First off.. it’s the PGA TOUR not the PGA. Big difference there. Also if the players are independent contractors, which they are, they can pretty much play when and where they want. The PGA Tour as an organization is well within it’s rights to say who can and cannot play in one of it’s events. They are not beholding to any of the players that play on their tour. If you want to play in a PGA TOUR event and can meet their qualifications then you can play. If one of their qualifications happens to be the fact that if you play on the LIV Tour you don’t meet the qualifications for the PGA TOUR then…. well then that’s it… you don’t qualify. So I wish anyone that tries to sue good luck… they’ll need it.
Tomas
Jun 1, 2022 at 5:58 pm
The PGA tour can give A Job to however they whishes
RJ
Jun 2, 2022 at 10:50 am
What? The tour is run by the players. There is no owner it’s a player run organization. Plus it’s a charitable organization that helps to donate millions to various charities at each event. It has made these greedy, morally bankrupt players millions and does so many things to help them it’s ridiculous. You have no clue what your taking about