Branden Grace wins first U.S.-based event for controversial LIV Golf tour, takes home a total of $4,375,000

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Branden Grace won the first stop on American soil for LIV Golf, an event that drew critics and protesters alike because of the series' funding by Saudi Arabia.

Grace finished at 13 under in the 54-hole tournament at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club.

Greg Norman is the CEO of the LIV series, which is funded by Saudi Arabia's wealth fund. It has attracted some players with the promise of big signing bonuses and fewer events.

Grace won by two strokes.

Grace said that she played flawless golf and pulled it out when she needed to do something special. It was amazing to come here, this new format, this new everything is amazing and everybody is having a great time.

There was a prize fund of $5 million for a team competition in the 48 man field. The last-place winner earned $120,000. Schwartzel took home $4.75 million from the inaugural event outside of London.

For finishing third in the individual event and being on the winning team, Grace earned $2,025,000. He earned $4,375,000 on Saturday and an additional $375,000 for being on the second place team.

The player with the most earnings in the first two weeks of the season is him. His highest on-course earnings in a single season was over $2 million in the year 2015.

He shot a 69. Patrick Reed had a 67.

A team led by Johnson won the team competition.

Every active member who competed in the first LIV event has been suspended. They were suspended unless they resigned their tour memberships.

Before it came to tiny North Plains, about 20 miles west of downtown Portland, LIV Golf had been criticized.

A group of mayors from nearby communities wrote a letter to the course's owner, objecting to the event because of the murder of a journalist in Saudi Arabia.

On the opening day of the tournament, a group of families whose loved ones were killed by terrorists came to protest. The hijackers on that day were mostly from Saudi Arabia. A bigger demonstration is planned for Bedminster, New Jersey.

The tour was criticized for detracting from Saudi Arabia's human rights record. The hit-and-run death of a teenage girl in Portland was pointed out by Wyden. U.S. officials believe that a Saudi national was spirited out of the country after he was accused in the case. A protester at the entrance held a sign that said "Fallon Smart"

Before the tournament, the players faced tough questions about their involvement, with most of them saying that golf can be a force for good. The structure of the tour was complained about by others.

It is "golf, but louder." Hip-hop is played on the driving range and interactive fan activities are available at the tournaments.

Crowds on Saturday were larger than the previous days. The LIV Golf said it was a sellout but wouldn't say how many tickets were sold.

July 29-31 are the dates for the tour's next event.

The AP information was used.