
LIV Golf: Separatist league to cease after potential backers withdraw support
LIV Golf has endured one of the most tumultuous episodes in golf history since its launch in 2021, one that threatened to tear the sport apart.
Top players have joined and been banned from other tours, as well as events such as the Ryder Cup.
More than $5 billion (£3.7 billion) was spent by the PIF, with top winners including Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau lured by lucrative contracts and huge prize money.
But the future of the concept — and its star players — has been shrouded in uncertainty this year after the 2026 season ended early. An Aug. 26 event in Indianapolis turned out to be its last.
When PIF announced it was withdrawing its funding in April, LIV announced a “strategic evolution” – including a newly created independent board of directors – and attempted to find replacement financial investors.
The exodus of players continued, however, with the departures of Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell. When Rahm left, it was reported that he was owed around $100m (£75m) from the remainder of the contract.
Speaking this week, Lee Westwood, one of the highest-profile actors to join LIV when it debuts in 2022, said the proposed revamp still has potential to thrive, but added “nothing has been presented to me that is acceptable for LIV 2.0.”
DeChambeau, who did not reveal his future plans, said he hopes the league “will be around forever,” while former Taylor Made and Adidas executive Mark King was named a senior advisor last week.
A deadline for LIV to confirm their players for 2027 was set last Sunday – a deadline which, now passed, appears to bring the saga to an end.
Gn sports