LIV Golf warns employees of potential layoffs amid funding search
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LIV Golf is facing a looming financial crisis as its primary backer announced earlier that it will pull its funding after the 2026 season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – LIV Golf informed staff on July 8 that layoffs could be on the horizon.
The golf organisation is facing a looming money crisis as its primary backer, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), announced earlier in 2026 that it will pull its funding after this season.
PIF’s decision to walk away after sinking a reported US$5 billion (S$6.46 billion) to US$8 billion in the venture has left LIV scrambling to find a reported US$300 million in fresh capital, leading to the announcement to staff about potential reductions.
A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, a required step for large businesses ahead of potential mass layoffs, is being filed by LIV, according to Golf Digest.
Without denying the veracity of the reporting, LIV reached out to media outlets later in the day, saying that it is implementing “no changes to LIV Golf’s current workforce, operations or schedule at this time”.
Yet the golf league also admitted that communication with employees took place.
“As our process to identify strategic investors moves forward in a positive direction, and as part of responsible planning for a range of possible outcomes, we have notified employees in the United States and United Kingdom of potential future actions related to the league’s corporate workforce,” LIV said.
“This step is being taken in accordance with legal obligations in each jurisdiction. We deeply appreciate our employees’ continued dedication as we work towards a strong and sustainable future for the league.”
Over on the PGA Tour, with fan behaviour becoming a regular topic at Major tournaments, a warning shot was fired by the R&A before the July 16-19 British Open at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England.
With the organisers expecting crowds to exceed 300,000, the R&A issued a reminder of guidelines centred on being “welcoming, inclusive” to reflect a “memorable environment” for the final Major on the PGA Tour schedule.
“The atmosphere at the Open is unlike any other major sporting event and one of the things that makes it so unique,” said R&A chief executive Mark Darbon.
“It is built on a shared respect for the players, the course, fellow fans and the traditions of the championship.
“Every year, our fans play a huge part in creating that experience. The Open commitment isn’t about changing what makes the Open so special, it is about maintaining its longstanding traditions.
“By following a few simple principles, everyone can help ensure the Open remains a welcoming, respectful and unforgettable experience for all.”
In 2023 at Royal Liverpool, champion Brian Harman of the US endured fan behaviour bordering on unruly and no doubt more boisterous than the R&A would prefer.
At the 2026 US Open in June, multiple patrons were escorted out of Shinnecock Hills in Long Island, New York, for crossing the line with jeers after some of champion Wyndham Clark’s shots. He had been banned from Oakmont for smashing lockers in a rage after missing the cut in 2025. REUTERS