*This content was translated by AI.
LIV Golf, which has fallen into a severe financial crisis following the suspension of funding by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is heading toward collapse after canceling tournaments, slashing prize money, and finally implementing mass layoffs.
British media outlet 'BBC' reported on the 27th (Korean time) that "LIV Golf officially confirmed staff reductions after prematurely ending its season in Indianapolis," adding that "the organization urgently needs to secure new investments totaling $350 million (approximately 470 billion won) for survival."
A LIV Golf spokesperson told 'BBC' that "the funding commitment announced by Saudi Arabia's PIF earlier this year has officially ended. As a result, the organization is reducing its operational scale while preparing to transition to 'LIV 2.0.'" The spokesperson further acknowledged the workforce reduction, stating, "This week, many employees were notified that their employment contracts under the 'LIV 1.0' system will expire in the first week of September."
Launched in 2022 with Saudi oil money, LIV Golf fell into crisis when PIF completely withdrew all funding in April. Originally scheduled to conclude its season with the Michigan Team Championship in Detroit this week, the event was canceled, forcing the season to end prematurely at the Indianapolis tournament.
The financial difficulties directly led to prize money cuts. According to U.S. golf specialty media 'Golf.com,' the individual tournament bonus pool was slashed from 0.3 billion won to $10 million—a one-third reduction—and the individual champion's prize dropped sharply from $18 million to $6 million (approximately 8 billion won). The team championship bonus also decreased to 0.3 billion won, and the additional $1.4 million per player bonus previously awarded to winning team members was completely abolished. The Indianapolis tournament's own winner's prize was halved from $4 million last year to $2.02 million this year.
With tournaments ending prematurely, affiliated players began seeking their own paths. Tyrrell Hatton of England decided to participate in this week's DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) British Masters. Hatton stated, "LIV Golf is working hard to secure funding and I expect the tour will continue next season," yet his recent actions—such as selecting Queen's 'I Want to Break Free' as his entrance music during last week's Indianapolis tournament—suggested an intention to leave the tour, drawing attention.
Hatton drew a line by saying, "It was just a song, and I still have multi-year contracts remaining," but it is widely speculated that he and key star Jon Rahm may completely leave LIV Golf at the end of this season to secure Ryder Cup participation rights for the 2027 event in Ireland. Luke Donald, captain of the European Ryder Cup team, stated, "If top-tier players like Rahm or Hatton return to the DP World Tour, their chances of automatic selection will increase, which would be welcome."
CEO Scott O'Neill held private meetings with potential investors such as Ted Goldsoff and signed term sheets with prospective investors, but concrete funding has not yet been officially confirmed. While some players like Bryson DeChambeau have expressed intentions to stay, even major stars like Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia are avoiding definitive answers on their futures, casting doubt on LIV Golf's very existence.
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*This content was translated by AI.
