The Northern Irishman, who played professionally before moving onto broadcasting in 1997, said he was excited to contribute to a world-class broadcast production that has a vision towards the future.

“As a storyteller, this is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help write a new chapter in this sport’s history,” he said.

“LIV Golf is developing ideas and innovations that are going to grow the audience and engage the next generation of players and fans.”

Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf held its first event in London last month which was won by South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel, who pocketed the US$4 million prize – the biggest paycheck in golf history.

Critics of the lucrative new series say it amounts to “sportswashing” by a nation trying to improve its reputation in light of its record of human rights abuses.

The US and European based Tours have banned and fined anyone joining the LIV Series.

Six-times major winner Phil Mickelson, former world number ones Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka as well as former US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau have all joined the series.