'Big names': Star's huge claim about golf's divisive $1.5b shake-up
PGA Tour pro Kramer Hickok has claimed up to 17 players have jumped over to the rumoured Saudi-backed Super Golf League as tension mounts.
The last couple of weeks has seen reports emerge of extraordinary riches being offered to lure the world's top golfers to join the breakaway circuit being spearheaded by Australian all-time great Greg Norman.
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American golf star Phil Mickelson said on the eve of the lucrative Saudi International that "pretty much every player" in the World's Top 100 had been approached.
Reports claimed English Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter has been offered up to $US25 million ($A35 million) to join the upstart circuit.
And while a number of golf's top stars, including Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm and Rory McIlory have all thrown their support behind the PGA Tour, rumours are growing.
And Hickok took to The Stripe Show Podcast and claimed up to 17 players had joined the SGL, which is rumoured to have a war chest in the vicinity of $1.5 billion.
Hickock said amongst them is some 'big names'.
"You’re going to see a lot of big names jump over there. I think there’s already been 17 guys that have jumped over, and I can’t say who they are, but there’s going to be some big names going over there," Hickok told the podcast.
"Look, I mean, from what I’ve heard the money’s very, very appealing. You’re only gonna have 12-14 events. Those events are gonna have purses. You’re not going to have to deal with missing a cut anymore; there’s only going to be 40 players.
"And 10 of those 14 events will be in the States. Signing bonuses, huge, huge purses—it’s going to be very appealing for some of these guys. Yeah you’ll see some big names for sure.”
Hickok said money needed to be better divided to lower ranked players from the Tour.
But, the American claimed the players that are reportedly jumping over are more "money hungry".
Bryson DeChambeau hits back at rumours
Golfing star Bryson DeChambeau was rumoured to have been offered an insane amount of money to join the league.
The big-hitting American has been off the tour due to injury.
And DeChambeau moved to dispel any rumours that he was off the tour because he was part of the breakaway league.
"I am very disappointed to miss the (Genesis Invitational) this week at one of my favourite golf courses on tour," DeChambeau wrote Monday on Twitter.
"I am currently in the process of rehabbing a hip and hand injury, which I am making positive progress on day by day.
"There are many false reports going around by the media that are completely inaccurate.
"Any news regarding my health or playing schedule will come directly from me and my team only.
"This is just another inaccurate report. I look forward to getting healthy and seeing everyone soon!"
One unconfirmed report this month said DeChambeau had been offered $135 million ($A189m) to join the Saudi-backed league.
with AAP
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