LIV Golf chiefs ‘hunting new jobs’ after talks following the Masters | Golf | Sport

Senior figures at LIV Golf are reportedly already on the lookout for new employment, following claims that the Saudi Public Investment Fund is on the brink of pulling the plug on the controversial breakaway tour. The rebel league launched in 2021 and sent shockwaves throughout the sport, positioning itself as a direct rival to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

However, speculation has surfaced this week suggesting that PIF is poised to withdraw its backing for LIV Golf, casting serious doubt over its future. According to The Athletic, high-ranking executives at the organisation have already begun searching for new roles while continuing to attend meetings regarding the league’s next steps.

The sixth event of LIV’s fifth season in Mexico City is set to proceed as scheduled this week, though the same report from The Athletic claims that members of the leadership team were first informed on Sunday, in the wake of the Masters, that they would shortly be losing their positions.

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When quizzed about the speculation on Wednesday, Sergio Garcia said he can’t say “anything more” about LIV beyond what players had previously been told amid mounting uncertainty surrounding the league’s future.

He said: “Honestly, we aren’t going to listen to anything except for what Yasir [Al-Rumayyan, LIV Golf chairman] told us as the start of the year, that he is behind us, that they have a project for many years.

“As you know, there are always a lot of rumours. I can’t tell you anything more than we already know.”

Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner took to X to write: “Pairings were just released for tomorrow’s first round of LIV Golf Mexico, for what it’s worth. Players, though, are still awaiting their fate. They’ll know more likely by mid-afternoon.”

Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka departed LIV last year to rejoin the PGA Tour, while former Masters champion Patrick Reed also walked away and is currently competing on the DP World Tour as he seeks to make his way back to the PGA Tour.

Throughout his tenure as captain of Smash GC, Koepka claimed five trophies, winning both individual and team titles.

Koepka’s representatives said at the time: “Koepka is deeply grateful to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Scott O’Neil, and the LIV Golf leadership team, his teammates, and the fans. Family has always guided Brooks’ decisions, and he feels this is the right moment to spend more time at home.

“Brooks will continue to be a huge supporter of LIV Golf and wishes the league and its players continued success. Brooks remains passionate about the game of golf and will keep fans updated on what’s ahead.”

Koepka reportedly had one year left to run on his contract, yet LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil confirmed: “We have amicably and mutually agreed that Brooks Koepka will no longer compete in the LIV Golf League, following the 2025 season. Brooks is prioritizing the needs of his family and staying closer to home.”