Since its founding in 2022, LIV Golf has become known for poaching some of the best golfers on the planet. LIV has been able to achieve this by using seemingly unlimited funds. They are funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF). The PIF's estimated value exceeds $900 billion.
They previously used the funds to poach Jon Rahm for about $300 million. It's generally difficult to compete on any tour, whether it's the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour. But not everyone will simply take the money.
According to Spanish publication Ten Golf, 20-year-old rising star Angel Ayora has turned down LIV's invitation to join the Saudi-funded league. LIV Golf have reportedly offered Ayoola a two-year contract to replace the relegated Kalle Samooja. Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC will continue its search for a fourth member, joining Adrian Meronk and Richard Bland.
Ayoola is having a very successful season on the DP World Tour. He won the Rosa Challenge Tour in September. Four more top-10 finishes followed, including a tie for second at the Rolex Challenge Tour Finals. The rising star kept going, finishing tied for sixth in the BMW Australia PGA DP World Tour's first event of the 2025 season.
His rise on the European Tour caught the attention of LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman. Norman reportedly circled Ayoola's name as one of the key players he hopes to sign this offseason. Looks like he'll have to find another place. But he may not have much time to do so.
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Recently, it was reported that the successor of LIV CEO Norman has been found. “Shark” will remain with LIV Golf until the end of his contract in August. It's unclear what role he will play if he is replaced at the start of the 2025 LIV golf season.
All the while, it's nice to see that LIV can't always buy whoever they want. Still, if the rumors are true, PGA Tour star Tony Finau could be the next star to join the rival tour.