THE rumours were circulating and there is plenty of chatter, and while much may change between now and when this issue of Inside Golf is printed and in the hands of you, our readers, the noise is getting louder concerning the future of LIV Golf.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has injected millions, make that billions, of dollars into the LIV Golf Tour, is allegedly pulling its funding.
Whether that is coming sometime soon, or at the conclusion of the 2026 season, there is currently plenty of smoke, often we see the fire following soon after.
To this point there has been a seemingly bottomless pit of funds for LIV, excessive amounts which the returns had no chance of matching. The Saudi’s do have deep pockets, and when it suits long arms to reach into those pockets to keep paying the bills, but the question of how long it could last, always lingered.
LIV Golf Mexico City was run and won as scheduled, however where to next is very much the subject of speculation.
CEO Scott O’Neil continues to talk a good game, commenting that reports of LIV’s demise are premature, and shortly after the conclusion of the Mexico event a press release was distributed saying they had committed to playing LIV Mexico again and at the same venue in 2027.
O’Neil did however confirm on a video interview that the PIF funding would end, before said video was quickly shut down and taken off all channels.
So where to now? Are the claims that LIV is dying unfounded, continuing what its supporters believe is a concerted campaign to damage its credibility and to make it go away.
The next slated event for LIV was in the US in Virginia in early May. More will likely be known if and when that tournament takes place.
Which all begs more questions. Has LIV has been good for the game, or has it been a massive disturbance likely to take professional golf years from which to recover? The answers may depend on the side of the fence you sit on.
LIV was certainly a disruptor, creating a considerable split in professional golf. A handful of leading players, veterans who had seen better days, some promising up and comers and a bunch of journeymen, accepted the guaranteed money on offer and jumped onto the LIV traveling circus.
The immediate reaction was almost unanimous in saying who could blame them, especially if the dollar amounts as reported were correct. While most who left for LIV were financially comfortable already, it was generational wealth.
But that didn’t mean everyone had to like the decision the players made to leave the traditions of the PGA Tour. Phil Mickelson went from being a favourite amongst many American golfing fans, to a man widely despised and someone shouldering much of the blame for blowing up the professional game.
Our own Greg Norman was another to take a hit. Reemerging from the somewhat anonymity of his golf course design and multiple other business interests, the Shark took it upon himself to become the public face, and therefore the villain of the whole LIV saga. Norman actively recruited players and criticised the status quo, questioning the autocratic rule of the PGA Tour and as a result, his reputation took a battering.
We missed seeing the best play against the best on a regular basis, with that occurrence restricted to four tournaments a year, and it must be asked whether LIV was in fact a suitable environment for those on that Tour to progress their golf games.
It was only a small sample size, but Tyrell Hatton was the only LIV player to hold his hands up and contend at the Masters and other than Hatton and Bryson DeChambeau, members of LIV have hardly struck a blow in major championships of late. Cam Smith’s struggles, where he has failed to make a cut in his last six major appearances, a case in point.
However, all that said, if you dig deep enough there are positives to come from the establishment of LIV.
The PGA Tour have shaken up their schedule, increased prizemoney and made some changes many felt were needed.
And nobody could question the success of LIV in some of the countries and markets it visits. If LIV Adelaide is no more, and you didn’t take the opportunity to go at least once, it was your loss.
Similar with South Africa, which attracted large galleries and impressive local support.
That said, very few were tuning in to the television or digital coverage, largely because it was often hard to find, even for those who may have been interested in watching.
LIV certainly shook up the golfing world and made wealthy professionals even richer, but where is it headed and what of its future? Where do the LIV players go if the tour is no more? And what will professional golf look like going forward?
Lots of questions, so far, no definitive answers. As of right now, LIV still has a pulse, reports of its death perhaps premature, as the hierarchy and players are attempting to remain as positive as possible.
But it must be asked, if LIV was to be no more, how will it be remembered and will it be missed?
The post Is the end near for LIV GOLF? And if so, will it be missed? first appeared on Inside Golf. Australia's Most-Read Golf Magazine as named by Australian Golfers - FREE.
Article Link: https://www.insidegolf.com.au/opinion/is-the-end-near-for-liv-golf-and-if-so-will-it-be-missed/