LEE WESTWOOD has confirmed that he has requested a release to play the first LIV Golf Invitational Series event next month. The 49-year-old also said the chance at a pay rise, while playing golf is something that he would have to seriously consider.
The Saudi-backed breakaway circuit led by former golfer Greg Norman is set to be the most lucrative breakaway golf events ever created .
Per ESPN's Mark Schlabach, the company announced on Wednesday an eight-event series that will have a total pay-out of $255 million.
🗣️ "Formula One race there, Newcastle are owned by people from there, there's been boxing fights there, snooker and darts there..."
Lee Westwood speaks to Sky Sports after confirming he has asked for a release to play in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series opener ⛳ pic.twitter.com/o900Z90BKf— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 4, 2022
The debut event was set to take place in mid-February, but Phil Mickelson's comments delayed the start date due to some of the world's best golfer's backing out, Norman claimed on Monday.
It is also reported that Westwood signed a non-disclosure agreement about entering the new format but has now spoken on it.
The English man like many golfers faces expulsion from the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, if he does enter the $25million event at Centurion Club from 9-11 June.
Speaking on Wednesday, he said.
"I’ve asked for releases for tournaments for as long as I’ve been on Tour," Westwood said.
"Not heard anything back yet. Ball is in the European Tour’s court and the PGA Tour’s court for that matter.
"I think some of my mates I grew up playing with in Worksop, if I went up to them and said I’ve been given an opportunity to play in a tournament, a 48-man tournament for $25million, they would probably pull me to one side and say 'what is it you’re actually thinking about?’
"This is my job. I do this for money. It’s not the only reason for doing it. But if anybody comes along and gives any of us a chance at a pay rise, then you have to seriously consider it, don’t you?"
He also added that people need to accept change and that it isn't an 'us vs them' situation.
"I’ve supported the European Tour for 29 years. I’ve hosted events on this Tour.
"It’s being portrayed as an us and them (situation), whereas the people from LIV Golf have said that they want to stand side-by-side; they are not going up against any of the really massive tournaments.
"They want everybody to be able to play, have options. They are not forcing anybody’s hand, so I believe.
"People always have a problem with change, don’t they? They are sceptical about it and people like continuity, whereas change in competition is good in any walk of life I think. It shakes things up and keeps everybody on their toes and keeps everybody trying to improve and improve their product."
Heavens above, I've just seen the full transcript from Lee Westwood's press conference today. What a dispiriting affair. There's a lot of greed in sport, but golf is one of the worst for greed. Money rules in that game. pic.twitter.com/2J8xAUzaTx
— Nick Metcalfe (@Nick_Metcalfe) May 4, 2022
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