DORAL, Florida – Dustin Johnson’s 4 Aces squad won the inaugural LIV Golf Series team championship at Trump National on Sunday to claim the US$16 million (S$22.5 million) top prize.
The former world No. 1, who earned a reported US$150 million by signing up to the Saudi-backed venture, pocketed another US$4 million as his share, adding to the rewards he gained through winning the inaugural season’s individual title.
Between team prizes throughout the season and individual event wins, plus his US$18 million bonus for claiming the year’s individual crown, he ends the inaugural LIV campaign with an eye-watering US$35 million in earnings.
“Personally, my season, yeah, you add up the numbers and it was great, but I played good – I didn’t play my best, so it always could be better, but that’s golf,” he said.
“But I’m just happy that the 4 Aces just won this tournament. That’s all that matters,” he said after shooting a two-under 70 on the Doral Blue Monster course.
Johnson’s all-American team – featuring Talor Gooch, Patrick Reed and Pat Perez – shot a combined seven-under 281, winning by a shot over Cameron Smith’s all-Australian Punch GC.
British Open champion Smith shot a superb 65 and jousted with Johnson until the death.
The winning team were sprayed with champagne on the final green on a day when US$34 million in prize money was distributed to the four teams in the final.
While the celebrations were genuine and the team format generated enthusiasm from players and attracted a decent crowd to the South Florida course owned by former US President Donald Trump, the first LIV season has caused division within golf that shows no signs of ending.
Reports suggest LIV Golf is looking to add more top players to its line-up, ahead of an expanded 14-event second season with the total purse jumping to more than US$400 million.
Johnson said LIV will go from strength to strength.
“Just look at what happened today,” he said. “Obviously, it was a team effort, but coming down the 18th hole, it ended up coming down to me and Cam playing the 18th hole to see who wins the team championship.
“You couldn’t have drawn it up any better, but that’s what LIV is. Look at all the fans. Look how much fun they have.
“This season went incredible and next season is going to be even better.”
Compatriot and six-time Major champion Phil Mickelson added: “You look at the strength of the league now, you have a lot of really strong players, strong characters in the game.
“Whether you love them or hate them, there’s a lot of guys here that people want to see.”
With legal cases heading to courts, disputes over world ranking points and Ryder Cup eligibility issues for LIV players, the rancour in the golf world does not look like it will fade soon.
But on Sunday, LIV players were in a bullish mood and Perez used the occasion to make his feelings clear about criticism of the new circuit.
“All the pushback, all the negative comments, everything we’ve gotten, at this point, I really don’t care. I mean, I don’t care. I’m paid. I don’t give a damn,” he said.
“My team played unbelievable this year. I feel like I’m really part of something that I’ve never been part of, other than me and my caddie, we’ve just been just us our whole life.
“To have these guys and their caddies and families and coaches and everybody, it’s just one big family now. I just couldn’t be any happier. It’s unbelievable.” AFP, REUTERS
