The PGA Tour’s struggle continues. Meanwhile, LIV Golf is coming as the victor. How’s that? Jay Monahan’s tour recently witnessed a viewership decline for their tournaments, while ‘LIV Golf Adelaide’ noticed a huge crowd, and in total, almost 94,000 fans were present at the Grange Golf Club. Later, Bryson DeChambeau‘s victory was another player to the league’s hype.

However, that wasn’t the end of it. Following the scientist’s triumph, the Saudi-backed league experienced a significant increase in merchandise sales. While its impact certainly attracts more fans, is Greg Norman’s league also influencing the professionals? According to John Catlin, it seems so!

John Catlin believes LIV Golf events are “really cool”

Catlin played in two LIV Golf events back-to-back as a replacement for Charles Howell III, who was out with a tibia injury in his left leg. First, he played at LIV Golf Houston finishing T24, and most recently he finished T7 in Nashville stunningly. Interestingly, just two events impacted the golfer adequately, and he was enjoying his time there. He will play at LIV Golf Andalucía for the same reason. Although it hasn’t been confirmed how long he will be playing, John Catlin is already making LIV Golf, his top priority.

Before playing at Real Club Valderrama, he will compete in the International Series Morocco, aiming for victory. LIV Golf uses these rankings to grant spots for the next season, with the #1 finisher automatically securing a spot for the following year. Making it a priority, Catlin said, “It (The International Series) is definitely priority one for me now.”

While sharing his experience with the Saudi-backed league the golfer further added “Having experienced the LIV Golf events, they are really cool, we are very well looked after, and playing that calibre of field for that kind of money is something we all want. That is priority one and I am looking for what will unfold over the next eight events,” as Per Golf Monthly. Pros are now considering the Saudi-backed league despite the PGA Tour’s efforts to increase its influence.

Speaking of efforts, Monahan’s tour is coming with the idea of TGL, a simulated team golf concept to provide something different from regular golf. However, it already faced criticism before its release. Also, the Tour’s Player Impact Program rewards players who significantly impact the PGA Tour’s business by attracting fans’ and sponsors’ attention. Recently, the PGA Tour also awarded pros like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy for their loyalty. Despite the efforts, it doesn’t seem to work, as pros are leaning towards LIV Golf. What do you think might be the reason behind it?

Possible factors influencing pros to choose the Saudi-backed tournament

Catlin was honest with his reasons behind prioritizing the Saudi-backed tournament. As he enjoyed the event, he is aware there is no cut in LIV Golf and pros get paid something despite the performance. Aside from that, it’s safe to say that Bryson DeChambeau’s US Open victory is one reason attracting attention to the league. Interestingly, that’s not the only major for LIV Golf this season.

Recently, Richard Bland also won the 2024 Senior PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open Championship back-to-back dramatically. Later, Bland also believes that LIV Golfer like DeChambeau and more are the “best players in the world.” Aside from the major championships, features like “Flight Deck,” might also be the reason for influencing pro golfers’ decisions.

Do you think there will be more pros like John Catlin making LIV Golf their first priority?