Sergio Garcia on LIV Golf's Future Amid Collapse Speculation
Spain's Sergio Garcia, the 2017 Masters champion and captain of the Fireballs team in LIV Golf, has addressed rumors regarding the future of the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series. Garcia stated that players were informed earlier this year that the event is planned to run for "many years," despite circulating reports suggesting the venture may be nearing collapse.
The Financial Times and other publications have reported that Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which finances LIV Golf, is reportedly close to withdrawing its support, which could jeopardize the tour's continuation. However, Garcia emphasized that players "have not heard anything" confirming these rumors as of the eve of the LIV Mexico tournament.
"That is not what Yasir [Al-Rumayyan, governor of PIF] told us at the beginning of the year," Garcia said. "[He told us] that he is behind us, that they have a project of many years. There are always rumours and I cannot comment anything more to you than what we know."
At their most recent event, LIV players were reportedly informed that funding is secured until at least 2032. has reached out to LIV Golf for comment on the situation.
Financial Challenges and Investment Details
Last year, it was revealed that LIV Golf's net losses in international markets outside the United States had escalated to $461.8 million in 2024, accumulating over $1.1 billion in losses since its inception in 2021. The PIF's total investment in LIV is said to be approaching $5 billion, while broadcast rights have generated only approximately $2.7 million.
LIV Golf chief executive Scott O'Neil stated in February that the tour is not expected to be profitable for another five to ten years.
In January, a senior source in Saudi Arabia informed of "a shift" in the kingdom's investment priorities towards the end of the previous year, with all PIF investments undergoing serious review. The source noted increased funding directed towards artificial intelligence and the technology sector, accompanied by pressure to ensure investments are sustainable and yield returns. The source expressed skepticism about LIV Golf's ability to meet these criteria, despite securing new sponsors such as Rolex and HSBC.
"More money has been put into AI and the tech sector. There is pressure in Saudi Arabia to make sure that we're inviting in the right things that are sustainable and bring a return, and I don't see how LIV Golf is going to do that. It has had new sponsors such as Rolex and HSBC, but that's not enough to get anywhere close to what the players are being paid."
Impact on Professional Golf and Tour Relations
LIV Golf caused significant disruption in professional golf in 2022 by attracting prominent players from the PGA Tour with substantially increased pay offers. In 2023, the PGA Tour and DP World Tour announced an agreement to merge with PIF; however, the merger has yet to materialize.
Meanwhile, a limited number of LIV-affiliated players have been allowed to compete in select DP World Tour and PGA Tour events under specific conditions.
Recent developments include calls for lifetime bans from the PGA Tour for LIV players, reflecting ongoing tensions between the organizations.
Potentially Seismic Development - Analysis
With LIV Golf yet to respond to 's requests for comment and senior golfing officials seeking clarity, uncertainty surrounds the circuit's future. A Saudi source suggested that speculation may be linked to the recent release of a new four-year strategy for the PIF, which bankrolls LIV Golf.
Prior to the recent Middle East conflict, indications suggested the PIF was emphasizing more sustainable investments, placing LIV Golf under renewed scrutiny, especially as the 2034 World Cup gains prominence as a sporting priority.
Uncertainty increased following the return of top LIV star Brooks Koepka to the PGA Tour earlier this year. In February, despite billions of dollars invested and significant financial losses, LIV's chief executive acknowledged that profitability could take another decade.
Should Saudi Arabia reduce or cease its commitment to LIV Golf, it would represent a major development for the sport. LIV has divided the golf community over the past five years, and given the scale of investment and ambition, such a move would raise significant questions about the kingdom's broader sports investments.
'LIV Shook Men's Professional Golf to Its Core' - Analysis
LIV Golf's emergence disrupted men's professional golf by recruiting some of the sport's biggest names, including major champions Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, and Dustin Johnson. Despite this, the breakaway tour has struggled to attract substantial television audiences.
While tournaments in Adelaide and Johannesburg have been sell-out successes, LIV's broader goal of creating teams capable of attracting significant outside investment, similar to cricket's Indian Premier League (IPL), has not been realized.
Financially, LIV has not approached delivering returns on the kingdom's substantial investment. Many LIV players have struggled to compete against peers on established tours. Although Koepka and DeChambeau won majors while competing on LIV, LIV players have seldom impacted the sport's biggest stages. England's Tyrrell Hatton was the only LIV player to contend at the recent Masters.
Koepka's return to the PGA Tour and Patrick Reed's departure from LIV were significant setbacks. Koepka utilized a hastily arranged returning player program also available to Jon Rahm, DeChambeau, and Smith, who declined. It remains unclear if this opportunity remains open.
More likely, LIV players facing automatic one-year PGA Tour bans may follow Reed's example by competing on the DP World Tour to regain their US circuit cards.
If Saudi Arabia decides to discontinue LIV Golf, it may consider investing in the DP World Tour to maintain involvement in men's professional golf.
