14 February 2023 , 14:12
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European ace Viktor Hovland has dropped a huge bombshell ahead of this week's Genesis Invitational at Riviera, by refusing to rule out a move to LIV Golf.
LIV has been able to controversially lure some of golf's biggest names, including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Cam Smith. The breakaway circuit has offered players mega-money signing on fees and prize pots following its backing from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.
This led to a civil war breaking out in professional golf between the newly established LIV, and the sport's leading circuit the PGA Tour.
Those who have chosen to defect to the Saudi-backed series have since been suspended by the PGA Tour, with a legal dispute between the two circuits ongoing. Despite the suspension threat and the criticism surrounding LIV, one of the sport's hottest prospects in Hovland is refusing to write off his chances of joining Mickelson and co.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet Aftenpoften, the 25-year-old said: "I don't think it is controversial to say that many of the changes on the PGA Tour are because of LIV. Nothing is ruled out. I just try to do the best for me and my venture.
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Viktor Hovland is one of golf's hottest prospects (Getty Images)"But you never know what the future holds. But they [LIV] have a long way to go, to put it that way. As of today, I want to play here, this is where the best players are. I think it's better for my golf if I play on the PGA Tour."
Following their inaugural campaign in 2022, season two of LIV Golf will get underway this month, with the opening event taking place in Mexico at Mayakoba - a former PGA Tour stronghold. The event will be a historic one for the Saudi-funded series, with it being the very first to be broadcast on TV.
Would you be surprised to see Viktor Hovland join LIV Golf? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
LIV Golf has lured in some of the sport's top players (AP)In 2022 LIV bosses failed to secured a broadcast deal to cover their events, meaning they were streamed for free across YouTube and Facebook. Ahead of the off next week though, they have finally secured a deal with American network CW to cover all 14 of this year's tournaments.
After landing the deal earlier this month, LIV CEO Greg Norman said: "This is a momentous day for LIV Golf as this partnership is about more than just media rights. The CW will provide accessibility for our fans and maximum exposure for our athletes and partners. We’re very proud to note how consequential it is that a league that has only existed for one year has secured a full broadcast deal in its debut full league season."