LIV Golf respond to reports of league collapsing with nine-word post | Golf | Sport
There are concerns about the future of LIV Golf. (Image: Getty)
LIV Golf have seemingly responded to speculation suggesting the future of the Saudi Arabia-backed circuit is uncertain. Rumours have intensified this week alleging that the Saudi Public Investment Fund is poised to withdraw its backing for LIV Golf, which could threaten its existence.
Nevertheless, despite the speculation, the sixth event of LIV’s fifth season in Mexico City will proceed as scheduled on Thursday in Mexico. But in what appears to be a riposte to the speculation, a post on the league’s official X account on Wednesday night read: “Slow news day? We are ON. #LongLIVGolf”
When questioned about the rumours on Wednesday, Sergio Garcia said he cannot say ‘anything more’ about LIV beyond what players had previously been assured amid swirling speculation about the league’s future.
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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.” Meanwhile, Golf Channel’s Rich Lerner posted on X: “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.”
The breakaway league launched in 2021 and sent shockwaves through the sport, positioning itself as a rival to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. It went on to lure some of golf’s biggest names, including Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, before prominent European stars such as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton also made the switch.
However, five-time major winner Koepka quit 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 a route back to the PGA Tour.
Brooks Koepka left LIV Golf last year. (Image: Getty)
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.”
Last year it emerged that LIV’s net losses in its international markets outside the US had ballooned to $461.8m in 2024, meaning the organisation had haemorrhaged more than $1.1bn since its formation in 2021.
In total, PIF has pumped over $5bn into LIV since its 2021 launch, yet prize money and bonus payments have been slashed considerably this year.
As it stands, players wishing to rejoin the PGA Tour must wait a full year from their last LIV appearance, though a new Returning Member Programme was established to offer Koepka a faster route back. Meanwhile, any player seeking to return to the DP World Tour must first have settled all outstanding fines.
