LIV Golf crisis deepens as David Feherty makes surprise admission

LIV Golf broadcaster David Feherty has admitted he was “in the dark” over the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s (PIF) decision to withdraw financial backing from the breakaway circuit beyond this season.

The revelation comes just weeks after Feherty, 67, publicly dismissed reports suggesting LIV Golf faced an uncertain future. 

During coverage of the league’s last event in Mexico City, both Feherty and lead host Arlo White rejected claims that the league was in trouble, insisting speculation about its demise was overblown.

At the time, White described reports of LIV’s struggles as “greatly exaggerated,” while Feherty labelled them “absolute nonsense,” criticising what he saw as ill-informed commentary.

However, developments this week have confirmed that the PIF will not continue funding LIV Golf beyond the current season, leaving the league facing an uncertain future.

GolfMagic understands from a source with knowledge of the business operations at LIV Golf that players and staff had been informed of PIF pulling the plug "over the past two weeks."

In light of this week's official announcement, the Northern Irishman has now acknowledged he was unaware of the situation as it unfolded while he went on air for the first-round broadcast of LIV Golf Mexico City. 

In a text message exchange with National Club Golfer journalist Matt Chivers, Feherty said he had no prior knowledge of the funding decision during the Mexico City broadcast. Chivers writes that Feherty was left "in the dark" like others. 

The admission raises questions about communication within LIV Golf, particularly regarding how its on-air talent in Feherty and White were briefed on a critical issue affecting the league’s long-term viability.

LIV Golf has since moved to establish a new independent board structure as it attempts to secure alternative investment and continue operations without direct backing from the PIF.

The situation has already had tangible consequences. 

A scheduled event in Louisiana has been postponed, while uncertainty continues to grow around player contracts and the league’s ability to retain its biggest names, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.

Feherty, a five-time European Tour winner who joined the commentary ranks at LIV Golf in 2022, has been one of the most high-profile media figures to align with the circuit. 

While LIV Golf has not ruled out continuing beyond 2026, its future now appears increasingly uncertain.

Any survival into 2027 is likely to depend on securing new financial backing, potentially resulting in a scaled-back version of the league with reduced ambitions and player earnings.