Saudi PIF Governor joins Sergio Garcia-led Fireballs GC for surprise round of golf at LIV Golf
LIV Golf star Sergio Garcia recently held a practice round with his Fireballs GC team. It was not just any round, and not just because they are preparing for the final events of the season, but because they were joined by Yasir Al Rumayyan.
Garcia himself posted pictures on his social media profiles of the round in which the Governor of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia participated. Garcia accompanied the posts with the following text:
"Look who joined our group! @livgolf_league @fireballsgc_"
Also participating in the round were the other members of LIV Golf's Fireballs GC team -- Abraham Ancer, Eugenio Chacarra and David Puig.
In the images, Al Rumayyan can be seen hitting several shots in different areas of the course. Sergio Garcia can also be seen giving him advice on how to better approach certain shots.
PIF is the primary financial supporter of LIV Golf. Its investment in the Greg Norman-led league has allowed it to maintain its signature purses of $25 million per event, $20 million for the individual competition and $5 million for the team competition.
It is also the budget provided by the PIF that has allowed LIV Golf to offer signing bonuses to its top stars. The most recent case is that of Jon Rahm, who signed with the league for a reported $600 million bonus, in addition to other perks.
What's next for LIV Golf?
LIV Golf will take a three-week break to resume the season in Chicago to play the so-called "Individual Championship" in Bolingbrook. Although it bears that name, there is no information yet on how it will differ from the so-called regular season tournaments.
If the format remains the same, it will be the final event of the season and will determine the individual standings. The list is currently led by Jon Rahm, thanks to one victory and 10 top-10s during the season.
The Chicago event will also determine which players will lose their spots on LIV Golf. Those who finish 49th or lower will be relegated and must earn their way back into the Promotions tournament.
Currently, those spots are held by Scott Vincent, Branden Grace, Laurie Canter, Bubba Watson, Kalle Samooja and Kieran Vincent. In Watson's case, he will not be relegated no matter where he finishes because he is the team captain.
A week later, the league will travel to Dallas for the Team Championship, which will be held at Maridoe. The league has not announced if the format will be the same as last season or if there will be changes.
In 2023, the Team Championship included crossovers between teams based on their position in the standings. Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC won the event.