LIV Golf Invitation NYC Welcome Party

The players gathered in New York City for a welcome reception ahead of start of play of the LIV Golf Invitation taking place at former president Donald Trump's Bedminster, New Jersey golf course. The golfers are being paid tens of millions of dollars to sign up to the Saudi-backed breakaway group with staggering winning payouts at tournaments in a major money making venture that is throwing professional golf into turmoil.

Two-time major winner and LIV CEO Greg Norman hosted evening's get-together at Gotham Hall in Manhattan alongside Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, the former President and wife Melania and the rest of the players.

Bader Content Studios was invited to blend in with the guests, talk with the golfers and watch the rapper Nelly and DJ Jaymie Perez concert on stage.

Other PGA golfers who have defected to accept the Saudi Public Investment Fund cash including Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson and Ian Poulter were also on hand as LIV Golf just announced a 14-tournament schedule for 2023 with a prize fund of more than $405 million and avoiding clashes with the majors or Ryder Cup.

The former president brushed off questions about Saudi human rights and using golf to wash over its reputation as a repressive regime.