What Graeme McDowell wishes he had done differently after leaving for LIV Golf

Graham McDowell on His Move to LIV Golf

Graham McDowell has no regrets about accepting financial support from LIV Golf, though he wishes he had been more candid about it.

The 2010 U.S. Open champion is among several players who transitioned from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, often citing a desire to “grow” their game. However, many have been skeptical of this claim, especially given the guaranteed contracts offered, which are backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

In a recent interview, McDowell acknowledged that he contemplated retiring in 2022 prior to his decision to join the rebel league. “I was really considering a real job,” he reflects. “Then they approached me with, ‘Hey, we’re starting this tour. Want to join?'”

McDowell expressed his love for the game but admitted he initially misrepresented his motives. “I regret claiming it was about growing my game,” he said. “To be honest, it helped my finances and offers a way for me to continue playing.”

At 46, McDowell might have to search for that “real job” again soon. Reports indicate the PIF plans to withdraw its financial backing after this season, leaving LIV Golf to seek alternative funding.

The decision to join LIV Golf hasn’t come without its challenges. McDowell’s family faced harassment, including death threats directed at his wife. He recognizes, however, that both LIV and its players could have handled the situation more effectively.

“Initially, there was quite a bit of extravagance,” McDowell noted as he looked ahead to the LIV Golf Virginia event, where he previously tied for second place. “The prize money is just crazy. Back in my late 20s, the idea of playing for $7 million felt unreal. Now we’ve got events with $20 million purses. It’s overwhelming.”

McDowell hopes that the loss of PIF’s support might shift the public perception of LIV Golf. “None of us anticipated how intense the backlash would be,” he reflected. “It’s ridden with hate. If we can transition away from the Saudi narrative and onto something more beneficial, maybe we can turn things around.”