LIV Golf has inadvertently let the cat out of the bag when it comes to their latest signing after leaking a picture of Kalle Samooja posing as the newest member of the Cleeks GC team.
LIV Golf seemed to confirm another deal in a post on the Cleeks GC team Instagram page before the picture was swiftly deleted – but quick-thinking fans screenshotted the image
In a post that was quickly deleted from the team’s official Instagram, the Finnish golfer was shown standing alongside major winner Martin Kaymer and Richard Bland. Dressed in the team’s apparel, he was snapped posing for the camera on what appeared to be a photo shoot on January 8.
Despite the fact that the image was swiftly taken down, this did not stop the account’s followers from taking screenshots of the post as Samooja’s signing appeared to have been confirmed. The former European Tour star had previously earned himself a LIV contract following his performance at the LIV Golf Promotions event.
The 35-year-old ace was handed membership to the breakaway circuit alongside Kieran Vincent of Zimbabwe and Jinichiro Kozuma of Japan. They topped the standings following 36 holes, with Samooja eventually earning the top prize, which included a $200,000 payout.
The world No. 298’s slot on the team alongside captain Kaymer and Bland comes after Cleeks GC struggled to 10th place in the standings last time out in the 12-team contest.
Previously, his delight at gaining LIV membership was palpable as he told ESPN: “I think we had the best three guys from the field to get their cards,” while also telling LIV Golf’s official website: “Once I came here, I knew this was the only thing I wanted to achieve… It’s a big step forward in my career.”
He will find some kindred spirits on the Cleeks GC roster, with his enthusiasm is shared by new teammate Bland, who confirmed his re-signing with Cleeks for the 2024 campaign before the turn of the year. Posting a video message on social media, the former one-time European Tour title holder said: “Just a quick note to say how excited I am to have re-signed with Cleeks GC for LIV Golf 24 season.
“Even though the season is couple of months away, still really buzzing to get going next year. Looking forward to meeting up with Martin again soon and really excited to see the other two guys who are going to be on the Cleeks with us next year. I feel like it’s going to be a really strong year for us, so, I’m really excited to be re-signing with the Cleeks.”
The authority LIV Golf site depicts the group’s mantra as the accompanying: “Different significant champ Martin Kaymer drives a line-up that completely regards golf’s customs yet is completely dedicated to making new parts in the game’s rich history. With each swing of their completely present day clubs, Cleeks are headed to sparkle in this new configuration.”
Hypothesis still likewise flourishes about who will be tricked to play close by new LIV Golf enroll Jon Rahm in 2024, with the Bosses victor having been guaranteed a group as a feature of his arrangement. The Spanish hotshot consented to a faltering £450m arrangement with the Saudi Arabia-moved visit in December.