LIV Golf chief claims “we are funded” amid Saudi exit rumours

LIV Golf’s President of Business Operations, Chris Heck, has insisted the league remains fully funded and operating as normal, despite growing speculation that its Saudi backers are withdrawing financial support beyond 2026.

Heck's comments come amid widespread reports that suggest the Public Investment Fund (PIF) — which has invested an estimated $5 billion into LIV Golf since its launch in 2022 — is on the verge of ending its involvement at the end of this season. 

Initial claims were raised by golf journalist Ryan French last week, before the subject was further elevated by outlets including the Financial Times, The Telegraph and Fox News, sparking fresh uncertainty over the league’s long-term future.

The PIF's monumental investment has underpinned LIV Golf’s rapid expansion, funding blockbuster signings such as Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, alongside the league’s headline $20 million prize purses.

But despite the speculation, Heck has dismissed concerns when asked directly about the current financial position of the league.

“No, we are funded, and we are business as usual moving forward,” Heck told reporters during a press conference for Smash GC's rebranding as OKGC on Tuesday afternoon. 

Pressed further on whether there are any wider concerns behind the scenes, Heck steered attention towards LIV’s day-to-day priorities rather than ownership speculation.

“We have concerns of selling tickets for the next event and of course launching great teams like OKGC.”

Heck, who joined LIV Golf in June 2025 after previously serving at Aston Villa, was also asked how confident he was in the league’s future amid mounting reports suggesting PIF backing could be withdrawn past this season. 

“I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t extremely confident, not only in our players, but our product,” he said. 

Heck added that LIV Golf’s global schedule and travel demands remain challenging but emphasised the league’s international impact.

“Global golf is kind of, it's a hard run, like we all travel a lot, but the impact that we're having around the world is something that I never thought I would experience.

“I’m very fortunate, very grateful for being here, and I think that OKGC is going to represent this state extremely proud.”

Heck's comments follow similar remarks from LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, who last Thursday described operations as “full throttle”, while also acknowledging the importance of building long-term sustainability beyond the current funding structure.

Despite the outside noise, O'Neil has sent a memo round to players reassuring them that the future of LIV Golf remains bright. 

The likes of Rahm, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Lucas Herbert and Talor Gooch have all admitted in recent days that they remain unfazed by the rumours. 

For now, LIV Golf’s leadership continues to project confidence publicly, even as questions persist over whether its primary financial backer will maintain its current level of support past next season.