Johnson "Advancing to Win LIV Golf 2nd Event"... What About 'Hulk' DeChambeau?

Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund-Led LIV Golf Second Event in the US, Featuring Young Guns DeChambeau, Koepka, Wolf, and More

Dustin Johnson is challenging for his first victory in the second LIV Golf event.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "Landing on the U.S. mainland."

Dustin Johnson (USA) is challenging for the first victory in the new global professional golf tour, LIV Golf. Sponsored by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf held its inaugural event on the 12th at Centurion Golf Club in London, England, where Charl Schwartzel emerged as the first champion. Schwartzel notably won the team event alongside Louis Oosthuizen, Brandon Grace, and Hennie du Plessis (all from South Africa), earning a total of $4.75 million (61.16 billion KRW) in one go.

On the night of the 30th, the second event (total prize money $25 million) continues at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Portland, Oregon, USA. Attention should be paid to the '25 million dollar money party' at each tournament, with $20 million for the individual event and $5 million for the team event. This currently exceeds the PGA Tour's highest prize money event, The Players Championship (the 'fifth major'), which offers $20 million. The intention is to lure world stars with 'oil money.'

Moreover, rumors circulated that Johnson joined LIV Golf for a '100 million pounds (157.63 billion KRW)' deal. Having finished 8th in the first event, he needs to show something this time. However, this time 'The Hulk' Bryson DeChambeau, 'Major Man' Brooks Koepka, and 'Twist Swing' Matthew Wolff (all from the USA) are also competing, making the path to victory challenging. The 'Mexico one-two punch' Abraham Ancer and Carlos Ortiz have joined as well. The tournament consists of 3 rounds with no cut.

For American players, it is especially meaningful that from this tournament onward, four events will be held in the U.S.: the third event (July 29-31, Bedminster), the fourth event (September 2-4, Boston), and the fifth event (September 16-18, Chicago). After the sixth event (October 7-9, Bangkok, Thailand) and the seventh event (October 14-16, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia), a $30 million (38.63 billion KRW) bonus will be awarded to the top three players. The final eighth event (October 27-30, Miami) is the Team Championship (total prize money $50 million).

It is interesting that the PGA Tour is engaging in a 'money war' against LIV Golf. Recently, it announced plans to create three special matches with total prize money of $25 million each for the 2023 season and to increase the prize money of the existing eight events to over $20 million. The so-called 'fall series,' which starts immediately after the playoffs in September every year, is also planned to be completely revamped to increase players' rest time. As LIV Golf expands into the U.S., a full-scale battle atmosphere is emerging.