In a recent interview with TV host Tucker Carlson, LIV Golf CEO, Greg Norman revealed the offer made to Tiger Woods to join the LIV series. In a stunning revelation, he conveyed that the offer amounted to around $700-800 million dollars!

Many lauded the legend for not taking up such a staggering offer. While Woods continues to show his support to the existing PGA Tour, the seeds were sowed much before, back in 1997, by non-other than the late Arnold Palmer.

What happened at the 1997 PGA Tour Awards?

At the 1997 PGA Tour awards dinner, Tiger Woods was due to receive the Arnold Palmer Award for being the leading money winner that year. He was coming up to the podium to accept the award when Palmer abruptly decided that he had “something to say”.

Palmer spoke vaguely about the problems faced in team sports and highlighted the Tour’s success that year. In a gathering of 30 of the best golfers, Palmer had words of wisdom to share.

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“You guys who are playing for so much money,” he said. “Remember you have an obligation to protect the integrity and traditions of the game of golf.”

He later put his hands on Tiger’s shoulders and told him, “The responsibility is on your shoulders. Protect it, it’s beautiful.”

A 22-year-old Tiger Woods nodded in agreement. As did everyone else in the room, showing their appreciation with a long, emotional standing ovation.

Why exactly did Tiger Woods reject LIV’s offer?

While the exact reasons haven’t been disclosed yet, it is understood that Woods wants to preserve his “generational legacy”. The LIV Golf series has been heavily criticized for being funded by ‘blood money’ and has raised concerns over the future of golf itself.

Other reasons could be Woods’s downright inessential need for money. While Tiger has already established his wealth by earning more than $120 million in his immensely successful PGA career, he has earned millions more from his mega-deal sponsorships and lucrative brand endorsements. Even though Woods lost quite a lot of sponsors when his private life allegations came to light in 2009, many companies still consider Woods as their ideal way to connect with consumers. Some of these companies include Nike, Electronic Arts, Rolex, and Vantelin Kowa, among others.

While a considerable number of golfers pledge their allegiance to the LIV tour, Woods remains defiant in his stance. For how long will the stand continue? Nobody knows. But one thing is clear – Palmer would have been glad.

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