LIV’S RIGHT ON COURSE TO DICTATE
RYDER CUP venue Valderrama has switched sides to join LIV Golf as the Saudi-backed league also confirmed new events in Mexico and Singapore.
The breakaway league will expand to 14 tournaments offering £334million in prize money next year, with an April date in Australia already announced.
The new season is now set to start at Mayakoba’s El Camaleon Golf Course on February 24, followed by the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore in April and Real Club Valderrama in Spain on June 30.
This year has been dominated by top players signing for LIV and now it is the turn of courses.
CEO Greg Norman (above) said: “LIV Golf is truly a global league dedicated to expanding the sport throughout the world, and these destinations for the league’s 2023 launch showcase our commitment to tournament play at the highest level.
“These venues have played host to signature moments in golf and we’re excited to build new traditions for the sport while delivering a first-class fan experience at some of the world’s best courses.”
Mayakoba staged the World Wide Technology Championship on the PGA Tour at the start of last month but will now host Mexican LIV stars Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz.
And 1997 Ryder Cup venue Valderrama, which staged the Andalucia Masters on the DP World Tour in October, will see Sergio Garcia teeing up.
Tiger Woods, meanwhile, will play the parent-child event at the PNC Championship later this month riding a golf buggy.
The 15-time Major champion (above with son Charlie) last played at the Open and has pulled out of his own event at the Hero World Golf Challenge this week because of pain in the bottom of his right foot known as plantar fasciitis.
But Woods said: “The father-son will be a very easy week. Charlie will just hit all the shots and I’ll just get the putts out of the hole. But other than that, in the match we’re playing in, we’re flying in carts.”
This year the 36-hole scramble event is staged over the weekend of December 17-18 in Florida. Woods is also set to team up with Rory McIlroy in an exhibition against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth on December 10.