When LIV golf launched, there was a lot of backlash from the golfing community, claiming the event was a money-making scheme. Many were afraid the sport would be taken over by private enterprises such as Saudi Arabia, which helped launch LIV golf. When the event began, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour said they would ban players who took part in the event, causing many high-status golfers to back out. Plus, there was controversy around the total paid to have big names play and sign with LIV Golfing. For example, Phil Mickelson, a popular and well-known golfer, was reportedly paid $200 million to play for them.