Bubba makes extraordinary claim about PGA Tour activity behind closed doors

LIV Golf's Bubba Watson says he was paid behind closed doors to show up to PGA Tour events, which goes against their regulations.

Ben Smith

03 Nov 2022

Bubba makes extraordinary claim about PGA Tour activity behind closed doors

Bubba Watson created all sorts of headlines when he joined LIV Golf earlier in the year.

And the two-time Masters champion just might create a few more with his latest remarks, as he has made the outlandish claim that he was paid behind closed doors to show up to PGA Tour events.

One of the biggest criticisms LIV Golf has faced - other than sportswashing accusations - is the fact there is guaranteed pay days for their players.

Tiger Woods spoke about this before the 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews, arguing there was a lack of incentive.

Woods - who has recently teamed up with Lewis Hamilton - was worried some younger players would miss out on a lot if they were to risk bans from the PGA Tour and even the majors.

But according to Watson, LIV Golf is not the first golf league to offer guaranteed money.

Watson told ESPN:

"It makes me laugh because on the PGA Tour, I got paid behind closed doors to show up at tournaments, many tournaments.

"And if Bubba Watson's not the best, that means the best were getting paid better than me and more than me. And so it's guaranteed money. I miss the cut, I still make money. I make the cut, I make extra money."

The publication reported they had received a memo in response to Watson's comments.

It read the PGA Tour:

"Prohibits the payment of appearance money to players as an inducement to play in a particular tournament."

This memo added the Tour was:

"Aware certain tournament sponsors may contract with a player to perform a sponsor-related activity during tournament week for which they receive nominal compensation."

The PGA Tour reportedly said this action was allowed under their guidelines.

Watson has not hit a shot in a LIV Golf event yet as he is still recovering from a knee injury, of which he underwent surgery earlier in the summer.

He will make his debut in 2023 in the LIV Golf League as a playing captain of the Niblicks GC side.

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It has been reported that he received as much as $50m to join the breakaway tour, according to The Telegraph.

Watson initially didn't resign his PGA Tour membership, but he did so in August.

The two-time major champion has been heavily involved in the LIV Golf broadcasts, acting as an on-course commentator and analyst.

Though it has to be said not everyone is a fan of his banter.

Watson also told ESPN:

"I'd laugh at [criticism] because we all had some guaranteed money to show up at places.

"Win, lose, quit, whatever it is, you still got the money. We've all been doing that. We've all been playing for guaranteed money. We don't want to talk about it on tour, but we are getting it."