"Smart guy"; "Not a great look" - Fans react to World No.238 Angel Ayora turning down a LIV Golf deal

Fans on social media have reacted to young Spanish golfer Angel Ayora rejecting a two-year contract with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. As per a recent report by Ten Golf, the 20-year-old was approached by LIV officials to join their Cleeks GC team, led by former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer. The team has one spot vacant after Kalle Samooja was relegated following the third season of LIV Golf.

Angel Ayora had a good opportunity to join Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, and Martin Kaymer on the team but reportedly rejected the deal. The Nuclr Golf account shared the news about Ayora rejecting the LIV Golf deal on its X (formerly Twitter) account, writing:

"#REPORT — World #238, Angel Ayora has rejected a 2 year deal to join LIV Golf’s @Cleeks_GC, per @Tengolf."

Fans in the comment section praised the rising star as a "smart guy," while others were critical of his decision.

"Smart guy," a fan wrote.

"Not a great look, the cleeks are a very good roster. Brandy has some more in the tank. I expect a big jump in 2025. @TronCarterNLU don’t sleep on the @Cleeks_GC," another fan wrote.

Some expressed admiration, saying there should be more golfers like Ayora.

"We need more Angel Ayora’s," a fan commented.

"Cleeks really hurting. Just dissolve this waste of a golf league," a fan said.

Here are more fans reactions:

Fans' reaction (Image via X/@NUCLRGOLF)

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Angel Ayora is not the only rising star to reject LIV Golf

Ayora only turned professional last year. He had a decent run on the Challenge Tour and impressed in several DP World Tour events in 2024. Soon after, the Saudi circuit offered him a deal, which he reportedly declined. However, Ayora isn’t the only rising star to reject LIV Golf.

Last year, LIV Golf attempted to sign Ludvig Åberg, but the Swedish golfer firmly declined the offer to stay on his home circuit. In December 2023, he clarified his decision, saying (via Bunkered.co.uk):

“I will never chase money; what I do is compete. I did the right thing.”

LIV Golf offers lucrative contracts and guarantees prize money for all participants due to its no-cutline tournaments. However, the circuit does not award OWGR points, making it challenging for players to qualify for majors. Additionally, LIV players are banned from competing on the PGA Tour.

Interestingly, while LIV Golf is working to complete its roster for 2025, reports suggest that the DP World Tour is in talks with the Saudi circuit for a deal regarding tournament scheduling and financial benefits. According to Bloomberg, both tours are negotiating potential collaborations.

Meanwhile, LIV Golf is also in ongoing negotiations with the PGA Tour about a merger. While talks continue, all circuits aim to move forward with their respective tournaments and finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.