Former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama will finalise his future next month after being among the latest clutch of stars targeted by LIV Golf.
The Japanese ace and world No.14 is considering his options on the PGA Tour after being approached by the Saudi-backed breakaway venture. He is set to make a decision and an announcement after playing in next month’s PGA Tour’s FedEx St. Jude Championship at Memphis, which has a £12.6million purse.
Even Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Henrik Stenson, 46, has been persistently linked with a switch - possibly as soon as this week. Stars such as Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood have already signed up to LIV after receiving mega money-spinning deals.
Now more PGA Tour players look set to defect after the FedEx, which is scheduled for August 11-14. Matsuyama, 30, who won in Augusta at 2021, yesterday parked uncertainty over his future to shoot a five-under 67 to finish on a two-under total.
Among the other rebels in action included Abraham Ancer who finished 11-under after a superb bogey-free 65. Meanwhile USA compatriot Talor Gooch finished seven-under after a final round 69. LIV rebel Patrick Reed shot 67 with a birdie at the last to end up on five-under.
He was three ahead of Spain’s Sergio Garcia, who finished on a two-under total. Garcia,42, shot a one over par 73 after a double bogey six on the Road Hole.
Garcia admitted it was set to be his last Open at St Andrews with the next one at the Home of Golf not until potentially 2030. Garcia , who has been stung by the public outcry over stars selling out to LIV, said: "The next one in 2030 is probably tough.
"And the way everyone is reacting to us, probably even tougher. It is what it is. Things come to an end."
