American Dustin Johnson’s four-aces team won the inaugural LIV Golf Series team championship at Trump National on Sunday to claim the $ 16 million first-place prize.
Johnson, who made $ 150 million signing up for the Saudi-backed venture, pocketed an additional $ 4 million as a share of the team’s prize pool to add to the prizes he earned by winning the debut season’s individual title.
Between team rewards during the season and individual event wins, plus his $ 18 million bonus for claiming the individual crown of the year, Johnson concludes LIV’s inaugural campaign with a payout to come. mouth water for $ 35 million.
“Personally, my season, yes, you add up the numbers and it was great, but I played well – I didn’t play my best, so it could always be better, but this is golf,” Johnson said.
“But I’m just happy that the 4 Aces just won this tournament. That’s all that matters, ”she said after shooting a two sub-par 70 on the Doral Blue Monster course.
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Johnson’s all-American team – made up of Talor Gooch, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez – hit a combined 7-under 281, winning with a shot over Cameron Smith’s All-Australian Punch GC.
British Open champion Smith threw a superb 65 and played with Johnson to the death.
The winning team was sprinkled with champagne on the final green on a day when $ 34 million in prize money was distributed to the four teams in the final.
While the celebrations were authentic and the squad format certainly generated enthusiasm from the players and attracted a decent crowd to the South Florida pitch owned by former US President Donald Trump, the first LIV season caused divisions at the club. golf interior showing no signs of finish.
Reports suggest LIV Golf is looking to add more top players to its lineup ahead of an expanded second season of 14 events.
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Johnson said LIV will go from strength to strength.
“Look what happened today,” he said. “Obviously, yes, it was a team effort, but coming down from the 18th hole, it ended up with me and Cam playing the 18th hole to see who wins the team championship.
“You couldn’t have worked it out better, but I think that’s what LIV is. Look at all the fans. See how much fun they have. I think this season has been incredible and I think next season will be even better.
“I couldn’t be happier”
With legal cases headed to the courts, disputes over points in the world rankings and Ryder Cup eligibility issues for LIV players, the grudge in the world of golf does not seem to be fading anytime soon, not to mention criticisms of financial support from Saudi sovereign PIF. on human rights problems in Saudi Arabia.
But on Sunday the LIV players were in a bullish mood and Perez took the opportunity to clarify his feelings on the criticisms of the new circuit.
“All the pushbacks, all the negative comments, all the things we got, at this point, I don’t really care. I mean, I don’t care. I am paid. I don’t give a damn, “said Perez.
“My team has played amazingly this year. I feel like I’m really part of something I’ve never been a part of, apart from me and my caddy, it’s been just us all my life.
“Having these guys, their caddies, their families, the coaches and everyone, it’s just one big family now. I couldn’t be happier. It’s incredible.”
