European Ryder Cup star Nicolai Hojgaard reportedly turned down a decent offer to join LIV Golf in 2024.
Nicolai Hojgaard, the European Ryder Cup standout, declined a tempting opportunity to become a part of the LIV Golf League this year, as shared by Edoardo Molinari.
In an interview with Gazzetto dello Sport, the 2023 European Ryder Cup vice-captain disclosed that Hojgaard, aged 23, opted out of joining his fellow teammates Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in the league funded by Saudi Arabia. This decision was made to secure his spot in the majors and Ryder Cup.
Hojgaard is rumored to have been invited to join Rahm’s Legion XIII squad for 2024.
Hojgaard earned half a point out of three in his debut during Europe’s win at Le Golf National in September last year.
In Friday’s Fourballs match, Rahm and World No.1 Scottie Scheffler, along with five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, secured a crucial half a point.
Subsequently, the Dane showcased his prowess by clinching the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in November 2023, thereby achieving his third triumph on the former European Tour circuit.
Hojgaard, currently ranked 37th globally, achieved an impressive solo second place at the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour in January.
Unfortunately, he has missed the last two cuts on the PGA Tour as he prepares for his debut at The Masters in April.
Molinari said:
“A few weeks ago, I was speaking to Nicolai Højgaard, who had a good offer but turned it down because he knows that if he continues to play well, he will still earn a lot of money but will be freer to make certain decisions and will be sure of playing the majors.”
The Italian believes that Hojgaard has made a wise decision for his career at this moment. He is puzzled as to why individuals in their 20s or 30s would choose to take the chance of not participating in major events of the season, including the Ryder Cup held every two years.
Molinari continued:
“Honestly I don’t understand players who are 20 or 30 years old and risk throwing away their careers to go to LIV Golf.
“Of course, if they come to me and offer me 300 million, it would change my life but they haven’t come.”
Molinari said:
Despite the recent revelation that Rahm will face a substantial fine from the DP World Tour due to his unexpected switch to LIV Golf this season, Molinari is of the opinion that Rahm will opt to stay as a member of the DP World Tour in order to safeguard his Ryder Cup prospects.
“I think that in two years we will find a way to be able to pick them anyway. The only requirement at the moment is that they are members of the European Tour. I believe someone like Rahm, whatever the cost, wants to play the Ryder Cup. So, I don’t think he will resign from the European Tour.”
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