The Saudi Arabia-backed Super Golf League has offered English golfer Ian Poulter up to $25 million to join the upstart circuit, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.
Accepting the SGL’s offer would mean lifetime bans on Poulter’s European Tour as well as the PGA Tour, which would include Ryder Cup competitions.
The SGL is also reportedly targeting Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and Lee Westwood of Great Britain, among many others.
Reports last May surfaced that negotiators for those behind the SGL — previously known as the Premier Golf League — had been in South Florida making lucrative offers to several marquee players in the range of $30 million to $50 million.
“Everyone in the top 100 of the world has been approached,” Phil Mickelson said Wednesday from Saudi Arabia, site of the Saudi International which tees off Thursday. “I’m appreciative of the fact that there is competition, and that leverage has allowed for a much better environment on the PGA Tour.
“We would not have the increase in the FedExCup money. We would not have the increase in The Players Championship to $20 million this year if it wasn’t for this threat,” Mickelson said.
American World No. 5 Dustin Johnson said “we’ll see” when asked if he would be tempted to join the SGL. He was asked if had a similar offer to Poulter’s.
“I’m not allowed to disclose. You’d have to ask Ian that one,” Johnson said, adding when pressed, “No, not similar. It’s not similar.”
Poulter has 17 victories across all competitions and career earnings of $27.79 million on the PGA Tour alone.
–Field Level Media