LIV Golf’s Louisiana event postponed, state seeks US$1.2 million payback
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LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has said the breakaway circuit's 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series was at risk of losing its funding.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – The LIV Golf event scheduled to take place in Louisiana in June has been postponed, state officials confirmed on April 28.
News of the postponement comes less than two weeks after LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said the breakaway circuit’s 2026 season would proceed as planned amid reports that the series was at risk of losing its funding.
The announcement comes a day after sources with knowledge of LIV Golf operations told Reuters that the event may be postponed due to concerns that football’s World Cup could impact attendances and viewership, while issues such as high temperatures and course condition were also factors.
The United States will co-host the World Cup with Mexico and Canada in June and July.
Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana economic development secretary Susan Bourgeois said in a joint statement that the state had already paid US$3.2 million (S$4.1 million) under its contract with LIV Golf, of which US$2 million has already been invested in upgrades for the Bayou Oaks at City Park course that was scheduled to host the event from June 25 to 28.
They also said that the Saudi-funded circuit was expected to return the remaining US$1.2 million in state incentive funds.
“We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry and Bourgeois said.
According to the statement, Bourgeois spoke with O’Neil on April 24 and was informed the organisation was looking to postpone the New Orleans tournament to explore a potential event this fall.
In a separate statement, LIV Golf said that it was a “strategic” decision to explore moving the event to later in the year.
“This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect,” said LIV Golf.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership and flexibility of the state of Louisiana as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall.
“Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum of the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalised dates in the near future.”
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has announced plans to change its investments, with LIV’s future funding uncertain and new investors being sought.
LIV’s next tournament, and the only event in the US until August, is set for May 7-10 at Trump National in suburban Washington. REUTERS, AFP
