Sergio García made it clear that he cannot offer any new information about the future of LIV Golf beyond what the players have already been told, as speculation about the league's stability continues to swirl. In the run‑up to the latest tournament in Mexico City, rumours have intensified since Tuesday night, when social media posts first hinted that the venture might be in jeopardy. The Daily Telegraph reported on Wednesday that senior LIV Golf officials were called to an "emergency meeting" in New York.
Shortly thereafter, the Financial Times cited sources saying that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia – the financial engine behind the league – was reportedly on the brink of pulling its backing, although no definitive decision had been reached. According to Sky Sports, many LIV players are confused about the situation and are seeking reassurance. However, team captains, including García, have not been briefed on any imminent announcement, leaving them unable to convey concrete updates to their teammates.
Despite the chatter, activity at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City proceeded as normal on Wednesday, with competitors practicing ahead of Thursday's opening round. Rumours that the course had been locked or that power had been cut were unfounded. Jon Rahm's pre‑event press conference, scheduled for Tuesday, was cancelled for what LIV described as technical difficulties.
García's interview, however, went ahead on Wednesday, and the former Masters champion was asked directly about the growing speculation. "Honestly, we aren't going to listen to anything except what Yasir told us at the start of the year," García said in Spanish, referring to Yasir Al‑Rumayyan, the chairman of LIV Golf. "He said he stands behind us and that the project will run for many years." He added, "There are always rumours, but I can't tell you anything beyond what we already know." Rich Lerner of the Golf Channel posted on X that pairings for the first round in Mexico had already been released, yet players were still awaiting clarification on their status and expected to receive more information by mid‑afternoon. Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol offered further context, suggesting that Saudi Arabia might be reevaluating the scale of its sports investments.
He explained that the PIF, a sovereign wealth fund funded by oil revenues, is shifting its strategy to diversify the Saudi economy. In its new five‑year plan, sport is no longer listed as a standalone priority but is instead grouped under broader categories such as tourism and entertainment.
"I don't think they're ignoring sport altogether," Solhekol said, "but they are certainly reconsidering how they allocate resources. They want a clear business case and a return on investment.
LIV Golf has already received about $5 billion, and projections indicate it could continue to lose money for the next five to ten years." He continued, "Going forward, Saudi Arabia and the PIF will still back football, Formula 1, boxing, tennis and golf, but they will do so with a stricter focus on profitability. They don't want to be seen merely as money‑throwers; they want deals that make financial sense." Solhekol also noted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its impact on global economies, especially in the Gulf, are prompting a more cautious approach.
"Saudi Arabia is essentially saying, 'We will keep investing in sport, but we will be very sensible about how we do it.'" LIV Golf, launched in 2021 with funding from the PIF, was created as a rival to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour. Its arrival split professional golf, attracting high‑profile players such as Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm and Dustin Johnson to the breakaway circuit. Initially, LIV events were 54‑hole tournaments, but the format shifted to 74 holes for the 2026 season in an effort to secure Official World Golf Ranking points.
The league also announced a substantial prize‑money increase for 2026, raising the total purse to $30 million, with the team prize doubling to $10 million and the individual prize remaining at $20 million. The Saudi‑backed series started with 12 teams and 48 players, later expanding to 13 teams. However, recent months have seen the departure of notable members, including five‑time major champion Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Patrick Reed. Koepka has returned to the PGA Tour, while Reed is pursuing reinstatement for the 2027 season and currently competes on the DP World Tour.
Both players announced their decisions on social media. Koepka wrote on X, "When I was a child I always dreamed of playing on the PGA Tour, and I am thrilled to announce my return. Being closer to home and spending more time with my family makes this opportunity especially meaningful.
I believe in where the PGA Tour is headed with new leadership, new investors, and an equity program that gives players a real ownership stake." Reed's X post read, "After careful thought and consideration, my family and I have decided that I will no longer compete on the LIV Golf Tour. I'm a traditionalist at heart, and I was born to play on the PGA Tour, where my story began with my wife, Justine.
I am moving forward in my career and look forward to competing on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. I can't wait to get back out there and revisit some of the best courses on earth." At the 2026 Masters, Koepka and Reed finished tied for 12th place, while several LIV stars struggled to make the cut. The most notable exception was Tyrell Hatton, who finished tied for third at ten under, just two strokes behind champion Rory McIlroy. Five of LIV's ten participants missed the cut at Augusta National, including two‑time major winner Bryson DeChambeau, who posted rounds of 76 and 74, the latter featuring a triple‑bogey on the 18th hole.
Other LIV alumni such as Jon Rahm and Sergio García also missed the cut, finishing tied for 38th and 52nd respectively. Dustin Johnson ended tied for 33rd, while Charl Schwartzel placed 54th. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding LIV Golf reflects broader questions about the sustainability of high‑cost, privately funded sports ventures. While the league has attracted top talent and generated significant media attention, its financial model depends heavily on continued backing from the PIF.
As Saudi Arabia reassesses its investment priorities amid global economic pressures, the future of LIV Golf remains a topic of intense debate among players, sponsors and fans alike. Regardless of the outcome, the situation underscores the evolving landscape of professional golf, where traditional tours and emerging competitors vie for players, audiences and commercial partnerships. The next few weeks will likely reveal whether LIV Golf can secure a stable footing or if it will need to adapt to a new reality shaped by fiscal prudence and strategic realignment.