The Portrush man joined the Saudi-backed golf circuit in 2022 and has earned an estimated $16 million in on-course prize money since then, as well as banking a huge signing on fee
12:29, 06 May 2026Updated 12:36, 06 May 2026
Graeme McDowell during LIV Golf Hong Kong
Graeme McDowell has admitted he should have been honest about moving to the lucrative LIV Golf Tour in 2022
The Portrush man joined the Saudi-backed golf circuit in 2022 and has earned an estimated $16 million in on-course prize money since then. Reports suggested the 46-year-old was handed a contract in the region of $20 million to $40 million to join the breakaway league.
At the time, McDowell defended his LIV move by framing it as an opportunity to help grow the sport globally and act as a role model, stating he was “proud” to assist Saudi Arabia in their journey.
He later admitted he ‘spoke too much’ after the move and has now stated that he wished he had been honest about the financial motivation.
“I regret a few things I said in the beginning, stuff like growing the game,” McDowell told Sports Illustrated. “I should have just said it for what it was: this is good for my bank account, and I’m getting a runway to play the game of golf for as long as I possibly can.
“I don’t think we could have ever imagined how deep this would go. The hatred. It’s funny, but if we can shift the narrative away from Saudi Arabia and bring some U.S. money and get rid of that narrative…because that narrative is just nasty.”
McDowell spoke recently about being ready to return to the DP World Tour, if the terms and conditions are right, but is in action at Trump National DC, this week.
LIV are hosting their first event since the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed it will stop funding LIV Golf at the end of the current season.
Under a newly established independent board, LIV bosses are trying to “secure long-term financial partners” to secure the future of the circuit.
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