PGA Tour winner on LIV Golf's future: "That tour is absolutely going to crumble in August"

Former PGA Tour pro turned commentator and analyst Johnson Wagner believes LIV Golf won't survive past August. 

The breakaway tour, which launched in 2022, is seeking some $350m in funding to keep going next year. 

LIV is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), but that support will be withdrawn at the end of the season.

League officials have expressed confidence that LIV will continue into 2027, albeit with smaller prize purses and a reduced schedule.

But Wagner believes LIV won't survive past August. 

"They're looking for $300m to go forward for next year," he told Scorecard on CBS.

"The way they've currently been running that tour with the purses, $300m is just scratching the surface. 

"They're trying to break it up into $50m investments with different companies. 

"I don't know what company could possibly see a return on their investment with that. 

"It would just be somebody else throwing money away just to keep it going.

"Also, the only way that model works is by reducing purses. 

"And when these players signed with LIV, they signed to play $20, $25m purses, and I think there'd be absolute revolt."

LIV Golf's survival may also depend on their ability to keep their best players. 

Two-time major champion and Ryder Cup star, Jon Rahm, is widely regarded as LIV's top player. 

The Spaniard joined LIV in December 2023 for a reported $566.6m (£450m) and is locked into a contract until 2029.

But several other players, such as Bryson DeChambeau, are out of contract at the end of the season. 

DeChambeau has spoken of his desire to save the league and has been involved in pitching LIV Golf 2.0 to investors. 

Though he has also stated he would simply have no issue with simply growing his YouTube channel if LIV doesn't survive. 

Dustin Johnson reportedly penned a two-year contract extension in January at $20m a year. 

"I don't know how many players have re-signed," added Wagner. 

"But this year, I know there’s a lot of contracts up, and I'm sure players are looking for a way out.

"I spoke to a LIV player who lives in my hometown of Charlotte the other day, and he is trying to make his way back to the PGA Tour.

"I think that tour is absolutely going to crumble in August. It'll be done."

LIV Golf's chief executive, Scott O'Neil, is the man at the forefront of their rescue mission. 

He has given several interviews since PIF confirmed they are withdrawing their support. 

Most recently, O'Neil raised eyebrows when he wouldn't guarantee whether LIV's final four events of the 2026 season will go ahead. 

"What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business," he said. 

The next LIV Golf tournament is scheduled for July 23-26 at JCB Golf & Country Club in Rocester, England.

Then come three tournaments in the United States.