This is the period of the year when LIV Golf goes in search of new forces. The Saudi Backed Tour wants to strengthen its position on the golf scene, and the best way to do that is to engage golfers who are either already stars or have the potential to become stars. It seems that the leaders of LIV this time want to give priority to young talents and new names, which could have the main say on the golf scene in the future.
Although it's a generally accepted opinion that hardly any golfer can resist LIV's offer, it seems that the situation is somewhat different.
Rising star of the golf scene Angel Ayora, a 20-year-old Spaniard, turned down an offer from LIV. After a great season on the Challenge Tour, the Spaniard decided to turn down the offer from the Saudi-backed Tour. According to the headlines of the Spanish media, more precisely, Ten Golf, the young star has rejected a deal that implies Ayora replacing Kale Samooja in Martin Kaymer's Cleeks GC.
Kaymer has previously spoken about wanting to find an individual who fits into his team's system. He stressed that it would be necessary to change a lot of things, wanting an individual who sees golf in the same way.
"You know, I don't really have a loud team , I don't have an [active] social media team," Kaymer said.
"It has to be a person who is similar to how you approach the game of golf. And for me, it was always important that we try to shine through good golf and not through something else, and that's what we're looking for."-he continued, as quoted by MIRROR.
Kaymer didn't comment on the fact that the Spaniard rejected them. Ayora is an impressive golfer who had a chance to play in the PGA Tour and DP World Tour events. The 20-year-old is currently 238th on the OWGR list, with the potential to improve significantly in the coming months and years.
Angel Ayora stats
Angel Ayora has had an interesting journey, just like many golfers before him. Before playing on the DP World Tour, the 20-year-old was part of the Q-School to secure a spot on the Challenge Tour. At the end of the 2023 season, Ayora showed all the talent he possesses and managed to celebrate in the first stage of the European Tour Qualifying School. However, the second and third rounds were not particularly successful for him, and the 20-year-old failed to get a DP World Tour card.
The young golfer focused on the Challenge Tour, where he excelled this year. Taking part in many tournaments, he even managed to finish 11 times in the top 15, once to celebrate, and twice to finish behind the winner. The Spaniard received a DP World Tour card for the next season. It won't be a difficult experience for him, considering that he had the chance to play two events as a DP World Tour member.
This amazing golfer was impressive in fierce competition with much more experienced colleagues. If he continues to do equally impressive things, golf fans expect Angel to become a big star in the sport. Many eyes are on him, especially after he rejected the offer from LIV Golf. Ayora thereby showed what the priorities are in his career.
What are the fans' reactions to Ayora's decision?
Looking at the reactions of fans on social media, and primarily X, most are delighted with his move, stressing that it is impressive that such a young golfer understands what true values are. Many emphasize that the golf scene needs more such golfers who can resist incredible offers from the Saudi-backed Tour.
Some are surprised that LIV is sending such offers, considering that the Spaniard is not such a popular name, but the philosophy of this Tour is clear. Namely, as we have already pointed out, LIV officials want to change the policy, giving a chance to young talents that they will develop and who could become stars. Those who like LIV, believe that the young golfer made a big mistake, considering that this Tour is a great platform for young golfers who are looking for a place on the golf scene.
It'll be interesting to follow the career of this young golfer and see in which direction he will develop. Judging by his first steps on the professional scene, Ayora has a huge potential to become a geat star. Next year we could see an even more advanced version of him. That is one of the reasons why we'll be closely following the performances of the 20-year-old.
