Viktor Hovland drops LIV Golf bombshell on the eve of the Open after Saudi Arabia talks

Viktor Hovland has opened up about considering a move to LIV Golf, revealing he held discussions with the Saudi Arabian-backed circuit before ultimately deciding against joining the controversial tour. The golfing world has been shaken by the emergence of the 54-hole series in 2022, which has seen several top players defect to the lucrative league. The likes of 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm and other big names such as Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau have been snapped up by Greg Norman’s team.

Rumours have swirled around Hovland, a six-time PGA Tour winner, as a potential target for LIV Golf’s recruitment drive. Ahead of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, the Norwegian star has shed light on his stance regarding a possible switch, speaking candidly to The Times. Hovland confirmed that he had engaged in conversations with the PIF-funded tour, stating: “If I’m going to say no to something, I want to at least know what it is. A lot of the players I’ve talked to want more transparency.”

He continued, highlighting the need for openness in representation: “And if you claim you’re representing our best interests, you at least meet with the people involved. Now we’re in this stalemate or whatever you want to call it, but it’s not something that required the prediction of 20 different chess moves.” Golfer Rob Edwards has defended his fellow professionals who have faced backlash for joining LIV, stating: “I have no hard feelings against the guys that went. I completely understand because there are a lot of grey areas at the moment but, for me, I did not think their product was appealing enough to go.”

In an earlier interview with the FORE podcast, Edwards, 26, spoke openly about his frustrations with PGA Tour chiefs, admitting: “When you get to see what happens behind closed doors, how the management actually makes decisions, which are not in the players’ best interest, but best for themselves and what they think is best. They are not professional golfers after all. There is a great deal of arrogance behind it all.”

Edwards’ decision to remain on the American circuit, however, was made with his development as a player in mind rather than financial gain. He candidly opened up, saying: “Obviously, they’re throwing out a lot of money, but I’ve already made a lot of money. I’m not a very materialistic person. It’s nice to make life easier for yourself, but that’s not what gets me up in the morning.”

“At the end of the day, the question is ‘What’s going to make me a better player? ‘ And hey, in 20 years, if I’m on the back end of my career, playing LIV Golf wouldn’t be too bad. It might have been a pretty cool opportunity but, right now, it’s something I think I’d probably look back and regret.”