LIV Golf has offered probably the most tumultuous episodes within the historical past of golf since its launch in 2021, one which threatened to tear the game aside.
Excessive-profile gamers joined and have been banned from different excursions, in addition to occasions such because the Ryder Cup.
Greater than $5bn (£3.7bn) was spent by PIF, with main winners together with Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau lured by profitable contracts and huge prize cash.
However the way forward for the idea – and its star gamers – has been shrouded in uncertainty this yr after the 2026 season ended early. An occasion in August in Indianapolis proved to be the final.
When PIF introduced it was withdrawing its funding in April, LIV introduced a “strategic evolution” – together with a newly established impartial board – and tried to seek out alternative monetary buyers.
The exodus of gamers continued, nevertheless, together with the exits of Rahm, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Graeme McDowell. When Rahm left it was reported he was owed about $100m (£75m) from the rest of the contract.
The European tour, which is sponsored by DP World, had additionally elevated strain on gamers when it introduced final month that those that signed as much as LIV Golf subsequent season wouldn’t be allowed to be members of the European tour in 2027.
That might have additionally spelled an finish to any gamers with ambitions of that includes within the Ryder Cup as solely DP World Tour members can play for Europe within the biennial staff competitors.
Talking this week, Lee Westwood, probably the most high-profile gamers to hitch LIV when it first started in 2022, stated the proposed revamp nonetheless had potential to thrive however added “there hasn’t been something introduced to me that’s agreeable for LIV 2.0”.
DeChambeau, who had not revealed his future plans, stated he hopes the league “exists ceaselessly”, whereas former Taylor Made and Adidas govt Mark King was appointed as a senior adviser final week.
A free deadline for LIV to verify its gamers for 2027 had been set for final Sunday – a degree which, having now handed, seems to be drawing the saga to an finish.
