In the world of golf, a surprising turn of events unfolded when the PGA Tour decided to merge with the LIV Golf League. This was a shocker because the PGA Tour had been pretty vocal about its disapproval of the Saudi Arabia-backed league. The LIV Golf League had been luring PGA Tour players with hefty sums of money, causing a divide among the players. Those who stayed with the PGA Tour saw the defectors as greedy, ungrateful individuals who overlooked the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
Interestingly, some of the loudest critics of LIV were already successful and wealthy PGA Tour golfers like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. It’s easier to take a moral stand when you’re already rolling in dough.
So, how much did LIV Golf Tour offer to lure players? Here’s a rundown: Phil Mickelson was offered $200 million, Dustin Johnson $125 million, Brooks Koepka $100 million, Sergio Garcia $40 million, Ian Poulter between $20-$30 million, and Bryson Dechambeau $100 million. These players didn’t even have to win any tournaments to earn this money, they just had to play a certain number of events.
With such massive amounts on the table, it’s understandable why many players jumped ship. And now, with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League merging, those who switched sides are back where they started, but with a lot more money in their pockets.
The author of the article also shared a personal experience of a similar dilemma in his finance career. He was offered a lucrative deal by a Chinese investment bank, but he chose to stay loyal to his current company. He later regretted this decision when he didn’t receive a bonus one year and ended up negotiating a severance package.
The author concluded by saying that while it’s often tempting to take the money and run, there’s also value in loyalty. It can make it easier to get another job, increase equity and profit sharing, and earn respect within the organization and from clients. However, he also advised that before leaving a firm for more pay and a promotion, it’s worth asking the current firm to match the offer.
In the end, it’s all about knowing your ambition and making the decision that aligns with it. Whether that’s taking the money or staying loyal, the choice is yours.
