2023 Season Total Prize Money 32.6 Billion KRW with 3 New Premier Matches + 8 Main Events Increased by Over 26.1 Billion KRW, 'Gaeul Series' Under Review
[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Significantly increase prize money, reduce the number of tournaments."
The U.S. Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour is launching a full-scale "money war" against LIV Golf. On the 22nd (Korean time), ESPN reported that "three special matches with a total prize money of $25 million for the 2023 season will be created, and the existing eight tournaments will have their prize money increased to over $20 million." This is an effect of the launch of the new professional golf tour LIV Golf, supported by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). Each tournament offers a total prize money of $25 million (32.6 billion KRW), leveraging 'oil money power' to attract world stars.
The PGA Tour's three special matches will be played without a 'cut off,' with only the top 60 players in the FedEx Cup points ranking participating. This is similar to LIV Golf, which features 48 players. In addition, eight flagship tournaments, including the early-year 'champion of champions' Sentry Tournament, the February Genesis Invitational, the March Arnold Palmer Invitational and the 'fifth major' The Players Championship, and the June Memorial Tournament, will also see their prize money increased to $20 million, adding to the volume offensive.
There are also moves to completely revamp the so-called 'fall series,' which begins every September for the next season. This is because players have expressed dissatisfaction, saying that "fatigue accumulates as the new season starts immediately after the playoffs (PO)." Patrick Cantlay welcomed the change, saying "A comfortable environment must be created to defeat LIV Golf," and Harris English (both from the U.S.) added, "There are too many tournaments currently," expressing hope for the new system.
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