Report: LIV Golf hit by fresh blow as Louisiana event set for postponement

LIV Golf has been dealt a fresh blow after reports emerged that its inaugural Louisiana event is set to be postponed — raising new doubts about the league’s financial stability and long-term future.

The tournament, scheduled for 25–28 June at New Orleans City Park’s Bayou Oaks, now appears unlikely to go ahead as planned, with sources indicating the league must first restructure its finances and secure new funding.

Local broadcaster WDSU and news outlet NOLA have both indicated that the tournament — due to take place on the South Course at Bayou Oaks — will not go ahead as planned. 

The tournament was originally slated for the week following the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills.

According to WDSU, sources have confirmed that the State of Louisiana has agreed to delay the event while LIV Golf undergoes financial restructuring and seeks new investment. 

NOLA went further, reporting that the tournament is effectively off, citing a source familiar with the situation who said the decision ends weeks of speculation surrounding the event’s future.

The same report claims LIV Golf informed state officials last week of its intention to “pivot” away from the June tournament. 

Instead, the league is exploring the possibility of staging a smaller, exhibition-style event later in the year, although no dates or financial framework have yet been agreed.

As part of the change in plans, NOLA claims LIV Golf is expected to return the $1 million it previously received from the state of Louisiana as part of an incentive package tied to hosting the event.

An official annoucement on the tournament is expected Tuesday. 

The expected postponement raises fresh questions about the stability of the LIV Golf League beyond the 2026 season. 

In recent weeks, multiple reports have suggested that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) — which has invested an estimated $5 billion into the league since its launch in 2022 — is set to withdraw financial backing after this season.

Publications including the Financial Times, Telegraph and Fox News have all reported that the PIF is considering ending its funding commitment, a move that would force LIV Golf to secure new investors to continue operating beyond 2026.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil appeared to acknowledge the uncertainty in comments to TNT Sports during the league’s last event two weeks ago in Mexico. 

O'Neil confirmed that current funding is guaranteed through the end of the season, adding that the organisation is actively working to build a sustainable long-term business model.

“The reality is you’re funded through the season and then you work like crazy as a business to create a business and a business plan to keep us going,” he said. 

Despite mounting speculation, O’Neil has attempted to reassure players and staff that all remains well. 

In an internal memo circulated at the Mexico event, he insisted that the 2026 season will continue as planned.

“I want to be crystal clear: Our season continues exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle,” O’Neil wrote. 

“While the media landscape is often filled with speculation, our reality is defined by the work we do on the grass.”

Several high-profile LIV players, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Ian Poulter, have publicly backed the league in recent weeks, signalling confidence in its leadership despite the financial uncertainty.

At this stage, it remains unclear what impact the reported postponement of LIV Golf Louisiana could have on the wider 2026 schedule, or on the league’s long-term future.

GolfMagic has contacted LIV Golf for comment.