New LIV Golf signing reveals "stronger fields" a big reason for joining them

Latest LIV Golf signing believes the fields on LIV Golf are better than the ones he would typically be facing on the PGA Tour this season.

Andy Roberts

01 Feb 2024

New LIV Golf signing reveals "stronger fields" a reason for joining them

New LIV Golf League signing Lucas Herbert admits one of the biggest reasons for him joining the Saudi-backed circuit was so he could play against "stronger fields" than ones he would typically face on the PGA Tour this season.

Herbert, 28, this week put pen to paper on a new deal with Cameron Smith's all-Australian Ripper GC.

The one-time PGA Tour winner explained money was of course a factor in his decision, but that ultimately competing against the likes of major champions such as Smith, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeaau, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm was the deciding factor.

Herbert told Golf Australia ahead of his LIV Golf debut in Mexico this week:

"It was guaranteed that I’m going to play against some really, really good players at every single event this year.

"You look at guys like Brooks and Bryson and DJ and Cam and Jon Rahm … you know, these guys are going to be at every event that I'm playing. And I just wasn't going to play against the stronger fields on the PGA tour this coming year. That was a big thing for me.

"During the whole conversation, the biggest thing was that we wanted to make the decision that was going to get my golf game the best I possibly could get it by the end of 2024, the end of 2025, and the years moving forward.

"Playing against stronger fields, playing against better players, was going to be a big key in how I do that, and I think I was going to get a better chance to do that, obviously, out here on LIV."

As for the money he was offered to join LIV Golf, he admits:

"It's helped with security given that it's likely I'm going to get suspended from the PGA Tour."

He added:

"$20 million events every week, I think it should allow me to set myself up, hopefully for the rest of my life playing out here. So yeah, money was definitely a factor, don't get me wrong."

Herbert's comments come at the same time the PGA Tour confirmed a huge $3 billion private investment with Strategic Sports Group (SSG).

Tiger Woods has piled praise on SSG.

Although Herbert is happy with his decision to join LIV Golf, he told Golf Australia he did not initially expect a phone call for his services in 2024.

It had been rumoured Smith wanted to sign major champions Adam Scott and Jason Day from the PGA Tour.

But with both players reportedly turning down hefty offers from LIV Golf this season, it left the door open for Herbert.

"I honestly didn't think I was going to get the offer. I didn't think I was going to be on their radar, basically. So, to get the call, I had to think about it and evaluate whether it was the right move for me."

Herbert now joins Smith's Ripper GC, which also comprises Marc Leishman and Matt Jones.

Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk were also confirmed as new signings on LIV Golf this week.

Hatton heads to Rahm's Legion XIII, while Meronk joins Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC.

PGA Tour or LIV Golf - which is the stronger circuit to compete on in 2024? Share your thoughts and comments over on the GolfMagic social media channels.

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