Dustin Johnson made Saudi golf U-TURN after late $150 MILLION bid
Saudi golf rebel Dustin Johnson will reportedly receive in the region of $150 million for committing to the LIV Golf Invitational Series.
Dustin Johnson is said to have made a sensational U-turn on committing to Greg Norman's Saudi-backed golf circuit after being offered a huge $150 million fee at the 11th hour, according to a report in Telegraph Sport.
Johnson, 37, not so long ago revealed he was sticking by the PGA Tour, however, to the shock of the golfing world his name was down on the list as one of 42 confirmed players competing in the first LIV Golf Invitational Series event at Centurion Club in England next week.
The former World No.1 today lost his big sponsorship deal with RBC, as too Graeme McDowell, who has also signed up to the controversial new LIV Golf league.
Related: Dustin Johnson and Graeme McDowell both AXED by major sponsor RBC
According to Telegraph Sport, two-time major champion Johnson, who recently married long-time partner Paulina Gretzky, made a late decision to breakaway from the PGA Tour after being offered a financial sum that was simply too good to turn down.
"An extraordinary signing-on fee was tabled to lure in Johnson amid Norman's desperation to land a stellar name at the 11th hour," reads the Telegraph Sport report.
"Phil Mickelson, who has not been named in an initial 42-man entry list, had piled pressure on organisers by telling them he was taking too much heat on his own.
"Insiders claim Johnson will now receive up to $150 million (£119 million) just for stating his commitment."
Related: Dustin Johnson confirms shock LIV Golf move after returning from getaway with Paulina Gretzky
The apparent $150 million sign-on fee will no doubt soften the blow for Johnson after losing his sponsorship deal with RBC this afternoon. The remainder of Johnson's sponsors have so far stuck by him, at least for now.
It is understood bosses at the PGA Tour, along with the DP World Tour, will now be handing out bans to its member players.
"As communicated to our entire membership on May 10, PGA Tour members have not been authorized to participate in the Saudi Golf League's London event, under PGA Tour Tournament Regulations," read a statement from the PGA Tour today.
"Members who violate the Tournament Regulations are subject to disciplinary action."
