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LIV golf truth exposed as 'absurd' private jet footage emerges

Pat Perez (R) features on video footage from the LIV Golf private jet that was also transporting golf star Dustin Johnson (L), among others. Pic: Instagram/TikTok
Pat Perez (R) features on video footage from the LIV Golf private jet that was also transporting golf star Dustin Johnson (L), among others. Pic: Instagram/TikTok

Stunning new footage has emerged of the ‘absurd’ private jet being used to transport players on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Tour.

The video, posted on the Tik Tok account of South African golfer Michael Farley, shows LIV players Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Pat Perez among others, enjoying the opulent surrounds of the luxury plane.

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The focal point of the video is Perez, who is seen striding through the cabin with his arms outstretched singing ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen.

Ironically, Perez shot a final round 80 as he finished 29th out of 48 players at the second LIV Golf event at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in Oregon last week.

Despite a sub-par individual performance, the 46-year-old still walked away with the tidy sum of USD $900,000 by virtue of being on the winning team alongside Johnson, Patrick Reed and Taylor Gooch.

Farley included text on the video, which has since been removed, stating that the private jet was for LIV Golf players and caddies. PGA Tour golfers have traditionally paid for their own travel, as well as that of their caddies, for Tour events.

LIV Golf series sparing no expense

With exorbitant signing bonuses (Johnson alone was reportedly paid USD $150 million to join LIV Golf), minimum prize money of $100,000 for each LIV event and travel costs covered, it appears there is no expense being spared on the rebel tour.

Seen here, Former World No.1 Dustin Johnson high-fives fans in Portland.
Former World No.1 Dustin Johnson is one of the biggest drawcards on the LIV Golf Invitational series. Pic: Getty

Some LIV caddies are reportedly earning even more than most professional golfers, while flying around in what is essentially the equivalent of a luxury lounge in the sky.

A lavish dining area and fully-stocked bar are among the visible features of the plane’s cabin shown in the footage.

Reports suggest the aircraft is a USD $320 million Boeing 777-200 LR equipped with seven-foot ceilings, game tables, reclining leather seats, USD $500 Italian-made pillows, cashmere blankets and 24-inch Panasonic HDTVs for each passenger. It costs USD $50,000 an hour to rent.

The LIV Golf Tour has been mired in controversy since its inception, with accusations of ‘sports washing’ being directed at its Saudi backers.

However, Saudi Arabia’s questionable human rights record has not stopped some of golf’s biggest names leaving the PGA Tour in favour of the new venture.

Phil Mickelson was reportedly paid about USD $200 million to join, while Bryson DeChambeau is said to have picked up USD $125 million.

Not everyone has succumbed to the Saudi’s riches, however, with Tiger Woods apparently turning down an eye-watering sum in the region of USD $1 billion to come on board.

The PGA Tour has since taken action against those who made the switch to play on the LIV Golf Tour, suspending them indefinitely from all PGA events.

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