LIV Golf pro on future of breakaway tour: "It's not looking great"

Carlos Ortiz says he has no concerns about finding a place to continue his career should LIV Golf not survive. 

The 33-year-old was among the first wave of players to be recruited by the renegade league in 2022. 

He has made 45 LIV Golf appearances since leaving the PGA Tour, with the Mexican claiming one individual title in Houston. 

But, like many LIV players, Ortiz faces an uncertain future if the league does not continue beyond this year.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirmed in March they are withdrawing their multimillion dollar backing of the venture at the end of the season.

The Money in Sport Newsletter reported on 18 June that, based on company filings, the league is operating through loans - not capital - from the PIF to finish the season. 

LIV is seeking around $300m from new investors to continue in 2027, with its embattled chief executive Scott O'Neil promising profitability within three years.

Ortiz told reporters at the halfway stage of the BMW International Open in Germany that the current situation is looking a bit tough, adding: "But hopefully there's a way forward.

"I mean, I honestly don't know all the situation, but it's not looking great, obviously, as we all know. 

"That's a shame, I've really enjoyed my time playing all around the world and it's been awesome playing with my team."

Ortiz said he was okay with whatever the future throws at him.

There is precedent for the golfer to return to the PGA Tour, but he would likely have to serve a one-year suspension from his last LIV start and pay hefty fines. 

Patrick Reed and Brooks Koepka have returned to the PGA Tour, though the latter's was fast-tracked. 

“We'll see what happens, you know, but whatever happens, I'm sure I'll find a place to play and, for me, it's just about playing golf," said Ortiz.  

"If I can start coming to places like this and seeing new places, then it will be great. For me, whatever happens is totally fine."

Ortiz is one of several LIV Golf players taking part in this week's DP World Tour stop at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Consecutive rounds of 67 leave Ortiz well in contention at the halfway stage. 

Ortiz's former LIV teammate, Sergio Garcia, is among those playing in Germany. 

The Spaniard, who blamed a dodgy lasagne after coming up short in Final Qualifying for The Open on Tuesday, is adamant LIV will survive. 

But the former Masters champion insisted in an interview with bunkered that the league will just look different. 

"It's not an if, it's how [LIV] is going to look," he told the publication. "It's just going to look different. But it is going to happen."

"And, you know, I'm looking forward to seeing my options and then make, obviously, the best decision possible. 

"So, you know, I think I like a lot of the things that LIV can provide going forward. But we'll make a decision as the summer goes on.

"I mean, it’s not final, but obviously it’s something that I’m interested in, like I have been the last four years. 

"As the summer goes along, we’ll be able to make a decision on it."

The aforementioned O'Neil has given several interviews since PIF confirmed they are turning off the spigot. 

Three weeks ago, O'Neil told CNBC that he couldn't guarantee whether LIV's final events will go ahead. 

LIV has already cancelled one tournament in 2026 and is scheduled to visit the UK, New York, Indianapolis and Michigan. 

"What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business," he said when asked if those events will go ahead.