Schwartzel leads inaugural Saudi-backed event; DeChambeau joins

ST. ALBANS, England — A Masters champion is leading after the second round of the Saudi-funded LIV Golf Invitational Series.

No, it’s not Phil Mickelson.

Charl Schwartzel, who is at 9-under, shot a 4-under 66 Friday to take a threeshot lead over fellow South African Hennie Du Plessis in the fight for the $4 million individual first prize at the 54-hole event, which will be decided on Saturday. Both players are on the Stinger team, which is leading the way to share a $3 million purse for the best four-man team. That means Schwartzel is on course to win the maximum prize of $4.75 million in the inaugural event.

As for Mickelson, he plummetted down the leaderboard after shooting a four-over 75 and is tied for 26th in the 48-team event. Dustin Johnson, who shot a second-round 70, is tied for fifth at 1-under.

In other news, former U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau became the latest big name to sign on with the new golf tour.

Big money has already convinced a long line of leading golfers — although none from the top 10 so far — to accept offers from the series, which is being bankrolled by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund. DeChambeau has yet to explain why he made an about-turn to join that list, having previously said he would continue playing on the PGA Tour. That may not be possible now, as the PGA Tour announced Thursday that players who defect to the renegade series will face banishment from future tour events.

DeChambeau’s signing was announced as the second round was taking place.

“[DeChambeau] is passionate about the sport, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in pursuit of excellence,” LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman said in a statement. “He’s not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game. The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland and beyond.”

The American, ranked No. 28 in the world, could make his LIV Golf debut at Pumpkin Ridge outside of Portland, Ore., from June 30.