Scottie Scheffler has enjoyed the season of his life and is looking to boost his season earnings during the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The American has banked over $36 million since the turn of the year after winning The Masters, Players and four PGA Tour signature events.
Bubba Watson, however, believes the world number one has LIV Golf to thank for his sizeable bank balance.
The two-time Masters winner has been talking ahead of the breakaway tour’s Greenbrier event and has shared an interesting view on Scheffler’s 2024 prize money.
Bubba Watson makes astonishing Scottie Scheffler claim
Watson is currently under pressure due to his lowly position in the LIV Golf standings. There has even been talk of the lefty stepping back from his team captain position in the near future.
However, before this week’s event in Virginia, the 45-year-old produced some intriguing quotes on LIV’s current trajectory.
“This is exciting times,” said Watson. “When I think about going through the motions of deciding to come to LIV, I thought about the 10-year plan on paper, what the goals were. It’s met my expectations; it’s been better than that. I think we have changed the face of golf. To be on that side of history, I think it’s pretty special.”
Watson went on to suggest that LIV Golf’s presence has impacted the amount of money PGA Tour star Scheffler has pocketed this season.
“I know years ago when the PGA Tour made that same decision; we are talking the 50s and 40 when Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer made the other tour. We are a part of that. It’s an honour and a privilege. Scottie Scheffler has made a lot of money this year because of the changes we have put in place,” Watson added.
“I believe golf is actually growing in the right spot, and I think team golf is here to stay, so I’m excited for the next few events and the next few years.”
LIV has changed the game for the PGA Tour
Scheffler’s 2024 earnings are impressive and have been increased due to LIV’s presence. The Signature Events and elevated purses are some of the changes Jay Monahan and Co. have made to appease those who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour.
However, it’s important to remember Scheffler’s 2024 earnings will only equate to a low-ball LIV Golf offer. Greg Norman’s venture has changed the game massively.
Jon Rahm, for example, accepted a $300 million offer to join LIV. That’s over ten times what Scheffler has made this season – and that’s just for the Spaniard to turn up.
If an agreement with the PIF is reached, the elite PGA Tour stars will be well within their rights to highlight the astronomical sums paid to those who joined LIV.
Money, whether we like it or not, will ultimately decide the future of the game, which is a rather depressing thought.
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