Bubba Watson has used Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Tour earnings as an example of why he is on the “right side of history” by moving to LIV Golf and raking in millions.
LIV Golf star Bubba Watson has claimed that is on the “right side of history” after departing the PGA Tour for the Saudi Arabian circuit – as he cited Scottie Scheffler’s earnings in 2024 as evidence of the tour’s positive influence on the game.
The two-time Masters victor defected to the Gulf State league back in 2022, agreeing to the move to the tune of an approximately $50 million. The American was the captain of the RangeGoats team on a four-year contract, with fellow household names such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm also joining the project.
Now, Watson has defended his decision to leave the PGA Tour two years ago as he praised the PIF-backed LIV for transforming the sport since its inception. For the former world No. 2, the steady increase in earnings for stars still operating on the American circuit is an example of its impact on the wider game.
With purses for PGA events having grown exponentially in recent times, world No. 1 Scheffler has set new records in terms of PGA Tour earnings in the last three years, for example. Back in 2022, he took home $14 million, with this jumping up to $21 million in 2023 – as his earnings stand at $36 million so far in 2024.
Firm in his belief that joining LIV was a prudent choice, Watson remarked, “Indeed, these are thrilling times. Reflecting on my decision to join LIV, I considered the long-term vision, the objectives outlined on paper, and I can confidently say it has fulfilled my expectations.
“It has exceeded those expectations. We have transformed the landscape of golf, and being part of this historical moment is truly remarkable,” he elaborated. “I recall when the PGA Tour made a similar choice many years ago, back in the ’50s or ’40s, during the era of Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and now we find ourselves in a comparable position.
It is both an honor and a privilege to be associated with this movement. Scottie Scheffler has significantly benefited financially this year due to the changes we have initiated. I genuinely believe that golf is evolving positively, and I am confident that team golf is a lasting element of the sport. I look forward to the upcoming events and years ahead, and I hope the RangeGoats can triumph over the Crushers.”
In a similar vein, Bryson DeChambeau, another prominent figure in LIV Golf, expressed his optimism regarding the tour’s advancements since his transition. He stated, “I anticipated considerable progress, but the developments have been remarkably impressive.”
“Considering all that we have accomplished, along with the individual efforts of each team and player, the transformation of this league into what it is today is truly commendable. As I envision the next five to ten years, I foresee this initiative experiencing significant growth.”
The winner of both the 2020 and 2024 U.S. Open further commented, “As people begin to recognize the genuine value we are providing, that intrinsic value will only amplify over time, which excites me. I am eager for the domino effect to commence, leading us in a positive direction, particularly with the team dynamic we are fostering at LIV.”