PIF to End LIV Golf Funding After Current Season
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund will stop funding LIV Golf after this season, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Wednesday. The league, founded by Greg Norman, plans to inform players by Thursday of the decision amid weeks of speculation. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil had indicated earlier this month that funding would continue through the season.
O'Neil told reporters ahead of the Mexico City event that the league remained funded for the season and was developing a business plan, similar to other private equity-backed ventures. He sent an email to staff affirming the season would proceed uninterrupted, though LIV later postponed its June tournament in New Orleans to a date to be determined. O'Neil expressed excitement about the new business plan during recent discussions.
LIV Golf launched in 2022 as a rival to the PGA Tour and has claimed two major victories: Brooks Koepka at the 2023 PGA Championship and Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 U.S. Open. Koepka has since returned to the PGA Tour, and Patrick Reed plans to rejoin it. The league shifted this season from its original 54-hole format to the standard 72 holes.
LIV Golf did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Speculation centers on expiring contracts for DeChambeau and Jon Rahm after this season, as the league pursues financial independence.
