Report: LIV Golf players considering using own cash to save crisis-hit league

Several LIV Golf stars are considering using their own money to ensure the league survives in 2027, according to a report. 

The future of the breakaway tour is in doubt after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it was no longer willing to finance the venture after the conclusion of the 2026 campaign. 

PIF said the "substantial investment" required over a longer term is "no longer consistent with the current phase" of their strategy.

LIV's boss, Scott O'Neil, is currently taking the product to market - with reports suggesting the former NBA exec is seeking £185m ($250m) in outside funding and projecting the league could be profitable in two years. 

Bryson DeChambeau told reporters before LIV's event in Korea that he was giving "all I can" to ensure LIV has a future beyond this year, adding that he was confident in the business plan and they had "a few ideas" to keep going. 

DeChambeau didn't offer any specifics on the latter but just one of them could include LIV players giving back some of the cash they received for joining the league in the first place. 

The Sun reporting several LIV Golf players are planning a rescue mission, aiming to raise £150m ($201m) to keep LIV afloat.

The likes of DeChambeau and European Ryder Cup legends Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood behind the move, the report stated. 

If it materialises, the cash would undoubtedly take the pressure off the aforementioned O’Neil as he pursues new sponsors, while also serving as a strong vote of confidence in LIV’s product.

Whether or not LIV's 2023 marquee signing, Jon Rahm, is behind the move remains to be seen. 

Players who donate to the fund would be given a stake in LIV Golf 2.0, according to The Sun.

The new-look LIV would see the schedule trimmed down from 14 events to 10. 

What did Bryson DeChambeau say?

DeChambeau told reporters before LIV's event in Korea that he was surprised at the PIF's decision to withdraw its support as he had previously been given assurances that funding would be in place for several years. 

The two-time U.S. Open champion said he still views the league's prospects with optimism. 

"We didn’t really see that coming," DeChambeau said. "But that's okay. One door closes, another opens. I think that's the way a lot of us are looking at it.

"I think we all have optimism that there is a business plan that makes sense for team golf. 

"I'm very optimistic with the business plan of team golf compared to other models, in my opinion.  

"I do see value in what team golf can provide not only worldwide but also in grass-rooting the game of golf. National support, team national support, city, local support, we grass-root ourselves there.

"We'll see if investors like it or not. I'm giving all I can to make it happen, and if it doesn't, it doesn't happen."

DeChambeau admitted he has been affected somewhat over the uncertainty of LIV's future. 

It has resulted in him putting too much pressure on his performances in the majors, he said. 

"But ultimately, it's up to the executives and everybody banding together," he added.

"If we all band together, there's an opportunity here. If not, it's going to be a different day for all of us."