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Golf news 2022: LIV Golf texts between Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia revealed

Golf news 2022: LIV Golf texts between Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia revealed

Text messages exchanged between Greg Norman and Sergio Garcia in the lead-up to LIV Golf have emerged.

Golfers who joined Norman on the Saudi-backed LIV Tour face an indefinite ban from the PGA Tour, and a group led by Phil Mickelson is suing them for antitrust violations, claiming the Tour does not have the authority to levy that punishment. As part of that suit, the golfers presented text messages between Norman and Garcia, who joined the rebel tour in June.

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The text messages reveal Garcia was relaying the PGA Tour’s plans to execute the bans on golfers when the LIV defections occurred.

After sending brief pleasantries on February 11, Garcia got down to business, texting Norman: “I just wanted to see how things are going with the League, cause it seems like a lot of those guys that were loving it and excited about it last week , now are s***ting in their pants.”

Norman responded: “Morning. All going very well. I have not heard the white noise of s***ting their pants. Who are you referencing so I can run a check?”

Garcia answered that it was “some of the younger guys” and that he thought “the (PGA) Tour reached out to them and scared them a bit and because they are young, I think it worked”.

Norman was adamant that the PGA Tour did not have the legal standing to issue a ban.

“If you have names I can reach out to them,” he texted.

“In regards to the Tour if they were going to ban players they would have already. They know they cannot hence no action outside of verbal threats. If you can get them or any player threatened to get it (in writing) fantastic. Thanks.”

The text messages in the lawsuit were uncovered by Dylan Dethier of Golf Magazine.

Six days after the initial exchange, Garcia informed Norman that the “Tour has told our managers this week that whoever signs with the League, is ban(ned) from the Tour for life! I don’t know how are we gonna get enough good players to join the League under (these) conditions. What do you think.”

Norman again assured Garcia that this would not be legally possible.

“They cannot ban you for one day let alone life,” Norman texted. “It is a shallow threat. Ask them to put it in writing to you or any player. I bet they don’t. Happy for anyone to speak with our legal team to better understand they have no chance of enforcing.

“Who said there would be a lifetime ban? And to whom? You? Or your agent? What are they saying specifically? Important to know these facts. Also I will get something to show you why they cannot.”

Garcia explained his understanding of what had happened.

“The commissioner had a meeting with the 5 or 6 biggest agencies of golf managers, mine included, and first told them that if any of their players had signed with the (LIV) league, that they should leave the room and after that they talked about what the (PGA Tour) is going to do going forward and that whoever signs with (LIV) they would be (banned) from the (PGA Tour) for life. I would love to get it in writing but I doubt they will do that,” he wrote.

Garcia ultimately joined LIV Golf after an epic meltdown directed at the PGA Tour in May.

Star golfers who have reportedly earned over AU$143 million apiece from LIV Golf include Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission

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Nick Faldo breaks down in live TV commentary farewell, CBS, PGA Tour Wyndham Championship scores, result

Nick Faldo breaks down in live TV commentary farewell, CBS, PGA Tour Wyndham Championship scores, result

Golf legend Nick Faldo was reduced to tears and barely able to speak as he signed off on his 16-year career commentary in an emotional live TV segment.

The six-time major winner is leaving CBS and the Golf Channel and plans to focus on running his Montana farm and other business.

Faldo, 65, was a blubbering mess as he attempted to give his final address sitting alongside fellow CBS analysts Jim Nantz, Ian Baker-Finch and Frank Nobilo after the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club

“I blew it,” he said, struggling to compose himself. “I was already…”

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Tiger rejects $1 Billion offer from LIV | 01:00

Faldo wept before finally stringing an emotional sentence together: “So I was on a boat in Ireland… They gave me a call and said, ‘How would you like to sit next to Jim Nantz?’ I literally fell out of the boat. I really did. That was 2006, and here we are, 16 years later.”

Australian Baker-Finch and New Zealander Nobilo paid tribute to Faldo before the Englishman uttered an emotional final line.

“I’m a single child and at 65 I found three brothers, thank you,” he said.

Meanwhile South Korean Kim Joo-hyung fired a stunning nine-under par 61 to win the Wyndham Championship, his first US PGA Tour title, and secure his spot in the season-ending playoffs.

Kim’s outstanding effort at Sedgefield Country Club, where the 20-year-old played the first nine holes of the final round in eight-under, capped a remarkable week that opened with his quadruple bogey eight at the first hole on Thursday.

“It’s definitely a week I’ll remember forever,” Kim said after his 20-under total of 260 gave him a five-stroke victory over fellow South Korean Im Sung-jae and American John Huh.

“I can’t believe it — I’m speechless right now,” Kim said, his emotions finally showing after a round in which he looked in supreme control.

“I’ve worked really hard to get to this point,” he said, his voice cracking. “Just walking off that 18th green, just thinking about the behind the scenes work.

“It was a hard day. I didn’t know golf was this stressful,” added the player who goes by the nickname Tom in a nod to his childhood love of Thomas the Tank Engine.

Cameron Percy was the best-placed Australian, finishing tied eighth, nine shots off the lead.

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Contracts, driver market, Daniel Ricciardo future, Pierre Gasly contract clause, McLaren, Alpine replacement

Contracts, driver market, Daniel Ricciardo future, Pierre Gasly contract clause, McLaren, Alpine replacement

The F1’s silly season has well and truly arrived, with the retirement of Sebastian Vettel last week sparking mid-season musical chairs as Fernando Alonso signed with Aston Martin.

Now widespread reports suggest McLaren will snap up rising Australian star Oscar Piastri, leaving fellow countryman Daniel Ricciardo without a seat for next year.

It leaves Alpine on the lookout for a driver to replace Alonso and Ricciardo shaped as the most logical option, having previously worked together when the team was called Renault.

Lamonato: Likely to see Piastri in F1 | 06:01

But there could be a twist which opens up another alternative for Alphine, should they opt to go in a different direction.

A report back in June from RacingNews365claimed that AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly has a clause in his contract that would allow him to join a rival team in 2023 — with one condition.

That is that the team is placed higher than AlphaTauri on the standings and Alpine, currently sitting in fourth in the constructors’ championship, would fit that bill.

Now that report has been shared around again given it takes on even more relevance with Alonso’s shock exit.

Gasly’s path back to Red Bull is seemingly blocked after Sergio Perez re-signed until at least the end of 2024 and the Frenchman had been linked to McLaren earlier in the year.

But with Piastri seemingly on his way to McLaren, there would be an opportunity at Alpine should that be of interest to both parties.

MORE F1 NEWS

2023 GRID: How surprise twist could keep Ricciardo’s career alive after Piastri shock

‘DONE DIRTY’: F1 world stunned as ‘brutal’ Ricciardo sacking looms

AlphaTauri's French driver Pierre Gasly could hold the key. (Photo by Jure Makovec / AFP)
AlphaTauri’s French driver Pierre Gasly could hold the key. (Photo by Jure Makovec / AFP)Source: AFP

Speaking back in June, Gasly said he was in “ongoing conversations” with Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko about his future.

“Well, at the moment, it is not a question of looking outside [Red Bull] or looking anywhere,” Gasly told media, per RacingNews365.com.

“I think my contract situation is pretty clear with Red Bull.

“It’s just ongoing conversation with Helmut and the management to know what’s best for all of us. But, as I said, it’s been very logical that they signed Sergio.

“He’s been competitive since the start of the year, so yeah, no surprise on that side. Obviously, it impacts what’s going to happen for my career in the coming years and, based on that, we just need to have normal conversation on what’s best going forward.”

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Ricky Stuart spray, Jaeman Salmon history, Ricky Stuart son, Cronulla Sharks juniors, Penrith Panthers, weak gutted dog, news

Ricky Stuart spray, Jaeman Salmon history, Ricky Stuart son, Cronulla Sharks juniors, Penrith Panthers, weak gutted dog, news

NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has confirmed an investigation will be launched into Ricky Stuart’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers young gun Jaeman Salmon — as details of the history between the pair has been revealed.

Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Abdo said the NRL Integrity Unit would be looking into the matter, and The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield also explained ARLC chairman Peter V’landys is “aware of the full background”.

The bad-blood reportedly stems from Salmon’s time in the Cronulla Sharks junior system 12-years-ago and an incident with Stuart’s son, who played in the same team, according to the SMH.

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Stuart’s son was reportedly reduced to tears following an incident with Salmon in 2010.

Stuart then made comments which saw Salmon’s father get involved.

The dads then had a heated exchange and had to be separated.

“Not pleasant, I spoke to Ricky late last night and I have spoken to him again this morning,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.

“He knows that this happened a long long time ago, involving junior football and his son and I think that is common knowledge.

“But Ricky last night chose the wrong platform to speak out about it, and his choice of words were probably inappropriate.”

Sims distract after Tracey KO | 00:37

Rothfield also called for all parties to sit down and mediate the situation which has “lingered on for a long time”.

“I think they (NRL) will have to (investigate), I think there has been quite a significant public outrage over Ricky’s choice of words and again the platform of a press conference,” Rothfield said.

“They will certainly investigate it.

“I would like to see them do it properly and maybe get all parties involved, because it has obviously lingered on for a long time and it is not good for the game when things like that blow up like it did last night.”

MORE NRL NEWS

‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

BIG HITS: Brave Edwards leads Panthers to victory as Raiders’ finals hopes fade

GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues

Stuart labeled the Panthers playmaker a “weak gutted dog” in his post-match press conference, referencing his previous run-ins with Salmon.

The 23-year-old was placed on report for kicking out at Canberra dummy-half Tom Starling in a tackle.

“But where Salmon kicked Tommy (Starling), it ain’t on,” Stuart said.

Canberra Raiders press conference | 06:28

“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well.

“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”

Panthers coach Ivan Cleary chose not to respond to Stuart’s comments, and Rothfield explained the Raiders coach’s biggest problem is his inability to control his emotions.

“I am very close to Ricky and we know how emotional he gets,” Rothfield said.

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“Ricky’s biggest problem as a football coach and even when he was a player, he is one of those guys that gets so emotionally worked up.

“He has never been good at controlling those emotions, and you can say it wasn’t in the heat of battle, but after you have lost an important game you are still worked up.

“You aren’t thinking as clearly.

“I am not defending him at all, but it is a difficult one for the NRL to manage, I know Peter V’landys is aware of the full background so it is going to be an important story.”

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Transfer Whispers, Payne Haas release request, haas rugby union switch, cross-code signing, Bevan French Super League, Newcastle Knights

Transfer Whispers, Payne Haas release request, haas rugby union switch, cross-code signing, Bevan French Super League, Newcastle Knights

Cross-code rivals are reportedly preparing a lucrative bid for Broncos gun Payne Haas.

Meanwhile, a former Eels flyer is set for an NRL return.

Read below for the latest Transfer Whispers!

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

CROSS-CODE RIVALS EYEING HAAS MOVE

Broncos star Payne Haas has reportedly received lucrative offers to make a cross-code switch to play rugby union in Europe.

The 22-year-old’s future in Red Hill has remained a topic of discussion following his shock release request handed to the Broncos in May.

Haas is currently contracted until the end of 2024 and was seeking a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if team performance targets weren’t met – a move which was knocked back by the Broncos.

Contract negotiations were halted until the end of the 2022 season, but now according to the SMH, European rugby clubs could table seven figure deals, with many already making their interest clear if the young gun becomes available.

Interested union coaches have reportedly liked Haas to legendary English lock Billy Vunipola who has 64 Test caps for his nation.

As it stands, Haas will reportedly earn $750,000 this season, $800,000 in 2024 and $850,000 the following year.

On the open market, the young gun could command up to $1 million a season, being arguably the best prop in the game currently.

According to reports, Haas hasn’t requested a release after learning of interest from cross-code rivals.

Sharks hold off Dragons in tight derby | 02:51

MORE NRL NEWS

‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow

‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst

BIG HITS: Brave Edwards leads Panthers to victory as Raiders’ finals hopes fade

GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues

FRENCH’S NRL RETURN

The Newcastle Knights are reportedly in hot pursuit of former Eels flyer Bevan French who is currently plying his trade in the Super League.

The 26-year-old made headlines after scoring a record seven tries during Wigan’s 60-0 win against Hull FC last month.

Now, the Knights are closing in on signing French who are seeking a return to Australia, according to The Daily Telegraph.

French is off-contract at the end of the 2022 season and could fill Adam O’Brien’s backline spots with both Tex Hoy and Edrick Lee leaving the club.

Reports suggest if French is able to make a seamless return to the NRL, the Knights could consider shifting marquee player Kalyn Ponga into the halves.

During French’s first NRL stint he recorded 35 tries in only 47 first grade appearances and came desperately close to an Australian return this year after meetings with Eels and Bulldogs powerbrokers.

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Tiger Woods offer, Greg Norman, PGA Tour, reaction, latest news

Tiger Woods offer, Greg Norman, PGA Tour, reaction, latest news

LIV Golf offered a figure between $700 million-$800 million ($A997m-$1.1bn) to Tiger Woods in an attempt to lure the 15-time major winner away from the PGA Tour, according to LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman.

“The number has been out there, yes,” Norman said on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” on Monday night.

“Tiger is a needle move. So of course you got to look at the best of the best. They originally approached Tiger before I became CEO, so yes, that number is somewhere in that neighborhood.”

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Donald Trump backs LIV Golf Series | 00:46

The Saudi Arabia-backed golf league has grown notorious for offering audacious sums of money to pry golfers from the PGA Tour, with Woods’ offer being the most-lucrative total known to date. Norman had previously hinted at the offer, noting that the money was ‘mind-blowingly enormous.’

Few professional golfers have been more critical of LIV Golf than Woods. In July, ahead of the British Open, Woods supported the R&A’s decision to disinvite Norman from its Celebration of Champions exhibition, while also lashing out against the golfers who failed to join the LIV ranks.

Casey has ‘questions’ after joining LIV | 01:08

“The players who have chosen to go to LIV and to play there, I disagree with it,” Woods said.

“I think that what they’ve done is they’ve turned their back on what has allowed them to get to this position.”

The separate factions have even disintegrated relationships between Woods and other golfers.

Monday, Bryson DeChambeau — who reportedly received more than $US125 million to join LIV Golf — revealed that he has not spoken with Woods since his defection.

LIV Golf just completed its third tournament this past weekend at Trump Bedminster that was one by Henrik Stenson.

This story originally appeared on the New York Post.

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Greg Norman’s LIV Tour forces PGA Tour’s $590m prizemoney first

Greg Norman's LIV Tour forces PGA Tour's $590m prizemoney first

Faced with a growing challenge from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series, the US PGA Tour announced a 2022-23 season schedule on Monday offering a record $AUD590 million in prize money.

The PGA increased the prize money at eight invitational tournaments, with The Players Championship set to pay out $35m, and will offer $206m in bonus money, including $107m for the FedEx Cup playoffs, which will be trimmed to 70 players from the current 125.

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The move comes as the LIV Golf Series — spearheaded by Aussie legend Greg Norman — has offered the highest purses in history to lure big-name talent from the PGA to its upstart tour, which is set to rise from eight events in 2022 to 14 in 2023.

LIV Golf has drawn protests and claims of “sportwashing” from critics citing Saudi human rights issues but such stars as Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Bryson DeChambeau, Paul Casey and Patrick Reed have jumped to the rebel series that debuted in June.

The US PGA, which will return to a season that coincides with the calendar year starting in 2024, tightened its playoffs and boosted select purses after comments from fans, PGA commissioner Jay Monahan said.

“The overwhelming sentiment was they wanted more consequences for both the regular season and the playoffs and to further strengthen events that traditionally feature top players competing head-to-head,” Monahan said. “We feel strongly we’ve accomplished all of these objectives.”

The 2022-23 PGA season will have 47 tournaments, including three playoff events next August with a field of 70 at the St. Jude Championship in Memphis, 50 at the BMW Championship in Chicago and the top 30 in points advancing to the season-ending Tour Championship at East Lake in Atlanta.

After the season ends, late 2023 will feature events for those outside the top 70 to earn status for the 2024 PGA campaign plus a series of “international events” featuring the PGA top 50 in a limited field, no-cut format. No other details were revealed about those events.

The St. Jude and BMW will see a jump in prize money from $21 million to $28 million.

The January Tournament of Champions will see its purse rise from $12 million to $21 million next year. It will become the lead-off event of the PGA season when the schedule changes in 2024.

Four events will see prize money jump from $17 million to $28 million — the Genesis Invitational in February hosted by Tiger Woods, the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in March, the Jack Nicklaus-hosted Memorial in June and the WGC Match Play in March.

Prize money will jump from $28 million to $35 million for The Players Championship in March.

The Scottish Open, Barbasol Championship and Barracuda Championship will remain co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour.

The 2022-23 campaign will begin on September 15-18 with the Fortinet Championship at Napa, California, with the Presidents Cup the following week at Quail Hollow.

The CJ Cup has been moved from South Korea to South Carolina and will be played in October with the Bermuda Championship the following week.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic, won Sunday by Tony Finau, will start June 29 next year while the 3M Open moves to the end of July.

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