LIV Golf has provided one of the most tumultuous episodes in golf history since its launch in 2021, one that threatened to tear the sport apart. High-profile players joined in and were banned from other tours, as well as events such as the Ryder Cup. PIF spent more than $5 billion (£3.7 billion), and top winners, including Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, were 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 event on August 26 in Indianapolis turned out to be the last. When PIF announced it was withdrawing its funding in April, LIV announced a “strategic evolution” – including a newly created independent board – and attempted to find replacement financial investors. However, the exodus of players continued, including the departures of Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell. When Rahm left, it was reported that he was owed around $100m (£75m) of the remainder of the contract. Speaking this week, Lee Westwood, one of the most prominent players who joined LIV when it began in 2022, said the proposed revamp still had potential to prosper, but added that “nothing has been presented to me that is acceptable for LIV 2.0.” DeChambeau, who had not revealed his future plans, said he hopes the league “will be around forever,” while former Taylor Made and Adidas executive Mark King was named senior adviser last week. A flexible deadline was set last Sunday for LIV to confirm its players for 2027, a point that, once passed, appears to be ending the saga.
