LIV Golf has dismissed reports that its Saudi Arabian backers are preparing to withdraw, with chief executive Scott O'Neill insisting the breakaway league will continue 'uninterrupted and at full throttle'. The denial follows speculation in the Financial Times and The Telegraph that the Public Investment Fund (PIF) was close to cutting its support.
In an email to staff reported by ESPN, O'Neill said: 'I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle. While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass.'
Player Sergio Garcia echoed the sentiment, telling reporters in Mexico City: 'We haven't heard anything other than what Yasir (Al-Rumayyan, LIV Golf chairman) told us at the beginning of the year. That he's behind us, that they have a long-term project.'
LIV Golf launched in 2021, attracting stars including Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. However, the league has seen defections, with Brooks Koepka returning to the PGA Tour and Patrick Reed leaving for the DP World Tour.
Meanwhile, the PIF has sold a 70% stake in Saudi club Al Hilal to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, but sources indicate this was always part of the fund's strategy to commercialise and eventually divest from Pro League clubs.
