In a stunning turn of events, golf’s LIV League has faced yet another setback as two major stars, Tommy Fleetwood and Nikolai Højgaard, have officially turned down lucrative offers to join Jon Rahm’s team. This decision comes as LIV Golf intensifies its recruitment efforts ahead of the upcoming Maya Coba tournament in Mexico, set to kick off on February 2nd. The stakes are high, and the clock is ticking for LIV to fill its roster.
Sources close to Fleetwood and Højgaard have confirmed that both players were approached with offers in the ballpark of $50 million each—an amount that, while substantial, pales in comparison to Jon Rahm’s staggering $476 million deal. This disparity raises eyebrows, especially considering the stature of Fleetwood, a seasoned competitor on the DP World Tour, and Højgaard, a rising star. The rejection of these offers signals a potential shift in player sentiment, as more high-profile athletes opt to stay loyal to their current tours despite the temptation of massive paydays.
Adding to the intrigue, rumors suggest that Rasmus Højgaard, Nikolai’s twin brother and a three-time DP World Tour winner, was also approached but declined the offer. The LIV League’s attempts to lure players like Fleetwood and the Højgaard twins highlight the ongoing struggle for the league to establish a competitive team, especially as merger talks between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour loom.
Meanwhile, Tyrell Hatton, another standout from the recent Ryder Cup, remains a key target for LIV Golf. Despite initial reports indicating he has no interest in joining the ranks of LIV, the league is expected to make a significant financial push to test his resolve. Hatton’s partnership with Rahm during the Ryder Cup has only added to his allure, making him an even more valuable asset for the league.
The ongoing saga of LIV Golf illustrates a rapidly changing landscape in professional golf, where the allure of financial gain is increasingly weighed against loyalty and tradition. As LIV Golf scrambles to solidify its roster, the rejection of offers by Fleetwood, Højgaard, and potentially Hatton raises questions about the future of the league and its ability to attract top talent.
With the Maya Coba tournament just days away and the April deadline for merger talks approaching, the pressure is mounting for LIV Golf. The world of golf is watching closely as this drama unfolds, and the next moves from both the players and LIV could reshape the sport’s future. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
