DUSTIN JOHNSON accepted a PS100million late-night offer to shock golf, and became the most prominent star to sign up for the Saudi-backed rebel league of golf.
Johnson, the former world number one, initially rejected offers to participate in the LIV Golf Invitational next week -- the first competition funded by Saudi sovereign money.
After joining the Saudi golf league
, Dustin Johnson will be receiving a salary of around PS100million
Johnson was awarded the Green Jacket by Tiger Woods after he won the Masters 2020.
The 37-year old made a dramatic U-turn after Greg Norman, LIV Tour's chief, offered a large financial deal to sign up one the sport's most prestigious names.
Johnson, a two-time major winner, joins Ian Poulter, Brits Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell as committed entrants who will tee off at The Centurion Club in Hertfordshire on Thursday.
His agent stated that Dustin had been considering this opportunity for the past couple of years.
"He ultimately decided that it was in his best interests and the best for his family to pursue it."
Johnson currently ranks third among all-time money leaders in the PGA Tour, behind Tiger Woods (with earnings of over PS59million) and Phil Mickelson.
The Centurion Club winner will be awarded PS3million from a total prize pool of PS20m. Johnson, if he takes on a full-time position during the tour, is expected to get well over PS100m.
Charl Schwartzel and Sergio Garcia are two other Major winners.
Rory McIlroy, despite declining advances, defended his decision to sign up. He said that it was too good an opportunity for some players.
McIlroy stated: "You know what? You have some guys who are literally not guaranteed a work next year."
"As we have seen, it is a young mans game today. Someone who isn't guaranteed their Tour Card next year may be contacted by another entity, offering a three-year guarantee. In addition to the fact that you are playing for more prize money and playing in fewer events, you have more time with your loved ones.
"It's quite appealing to some guys who are in this position, when you look at those things.
"Again, it's not something I would do. You do have to at least try to imagine yourself in the shoes of others and understand their perspectives.
Ian Poulter and Brits Lee Westwood have both decided to participate in the rebel tour
The US-based PGA Tour, and Europe's DP World Tour are now faced with the decision of what to do about players who have abandoned their events.
McIlroy, however, insists he can still improve on his US PGA failure and will be starting this weekend at the Memorial Open in Ohio.
As his eight-year-old major drought continued, the 33-year old lost his lead in the first round to finish eighth at US PGA last month on two under par.
He stated, "It feels good. Everything seems to be moving in the right direction. Although I feel that Southern Hills was a missed chance, I must take the positives.
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"I did some really great stuff that week. It's all about building on it.
"I am embarking on a 4-week stretch here. So I will be playing a lot more golf in the coming weeks and feel that my game is in great shape. I am excited to continue my winning streak and to have more opportunities to win tournaments.
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