Graeme McDowell joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour in 2022, earning an estimated $16 million in on-course prize money, and has now acknowledged he should have been upfront about his financial motivation for making the move
13:29, 06 May 2026Updated 13:31, 06 May 2026
Graeme McDowell tees off at LIV Golf Singapore(Image: Thananuwat Srirasant, Getty Images)
Graeme McDowell has confessed he ought to have been transparent regarding his switch to the lucrative LIV Golf Tour in 2022.
The Portrush native joined the Saudi-backed golf series in 2022 and has reportedly earned approximately $16 million in on-course prize money since making the move. Sources indicated the 46 year old received a contract valued between $20 million and $40 million to sign with the breakaway circuit.
Initially, McDowell justified his LIV switch by presenting it as a chance to expand the sport internationally and serve as a role model, declaring he was “proud” to support Saudi Arabia in their progression.
The 2010 US Open champ subsequently acknowledged he ‘spoke too much’ following the transfer and has now revealed he wishes he had been forthright about the financial incentive.
“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 prepared to rejoin the DP World Tour, provided the terms and conditions are suitable, but is competing at Trump National DC this week. LIV are hosting their first event since the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will cease financing LIV Golf when the present season concludes.
Beneath a freshly formed independent board, LIV executives are attempting to “secure long-term financial partners” to guarantee the circuit’s continuation.
Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond