There seems to be more than a small question mark hanging over the future of LIV Golf following reports that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia are planning to stop funding the league.
It appears that an end to golf’s civil war may be in sight. Of course, the PGA Tour has weathered the storm and had the upper hand for some time.
However, it now seems that there is a chance that their competition may disappear entirely by 2027.
What one LIV Golf player has said about the speculation on the league’s future
The Financial Times reported that the PIF are ready to stop funding the league. Given the amounts that have reportedly been spent on LIV Golf over the years, it is hard to imagine anyone else being prepared to step in. But there are likely to be plenty of twists to come.
Interestingly, it would appear that some of the stars of the league are just as in the dark as everyone else.
Speaking on Dan on Golf, Dan Rapaport shared what one figure on LIV told him about the speculation.
“I have been in touch with players. It’s business as usual. They have not been told anything,” he said.
“One player who I spoke to said ‘we all knew this was possible. We all knew our league was funded by one entity and if that entity decided at some point that this wasn’t worth it, this was going to end.’
“LIV is acting like nothing is happening, they just posted a tweet I saw playing on the breaking news of it all.
“This might happen today or tomorrow or next week, or the end of the year. But LIV Golf is not long for this Earth. Where there is smoke, there is fire. And there is smoke which is like an ash layer covering the sun.”
The impact LIV Golf has had on the game with its future in doubt
LIV Golf will leave such a complex legacy if this is indeed the end.
No one can surely argue with the fact that their presence has had a positive impact on the PGA Tour. The tour was extremely complacent in the years leading into LIV’s formation.
The PGA Tour is far from perfect, still. However, the appointment of Brian Rolapp as the CEO is a step in the right direction. And it does appear that brighter times lie ahead.
LIV had the resources to take over. But clearly, having the resources is only part of the battle.
Ultimately, the product has not captured the imagination of the majority of golf fans. The venues are often entirely forgettable, the format does not appear to prepare players for the majors, and the presentation is pretty terrible.
But with LIV’s latest event in Mexico City taking place this week, they will hope that there is still time to turn things around.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
