Report: LIV Golf receive shock new lifeline as investor U-turn emerges

LIV Golf may not be dead just yet, according to a report.

According to the Financial Times, BC Partners has quietly revived its attempts to create a successor to the breakaway tour, after abandoning its plans for a "LIV 2.0" last week.

The FT reports that the private equity firm is exploring the possibility of acquiring a $50m bankruptcy loan from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which could give it greater control over efforts to establish a new league.

LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy in September after PIF, which previously held a 98% stake in the organisation, withdrew its financial backing.

BC Partners had previously committed to investing $300m in a proposed successor, which was expected to feature as many as 17 tournaments.

However, those plans reportedly fell apart after disagreements with players over financial guarantees and the terms of their potential involvement.

Despite the setback, BC Partners is understood to remain confident that a team-based global golf competition could succeed.

The firm believes changes to the PGA Tour's schedule from 2028, alongside financial difficulties facing the DP World Tour, could create an opportunity for a rival competition.

The proposed revival would nevertheless face significant challenges, particularly in securing the involvement of leading players and establishing relationships with golf's existing governing bodies and tours.

LIV's lawyers told a US bankruptcy court last week that the organisation intended to begin winding down its operations, with paperwork setting out the liquidation process due to be submitted.

However, the company said it would remain open to considering alternative proposals that could maximise its value.

PIF is understood to be seeking a swift exit from the bankruptcy proceedings, while outstanding claims from suppliers and other creditors remain a significant issue.

It remains unclear whether PIF or LIV have been made aware of, or would support, BC Partners' latest proposal.

Bryson DeChambeau breaks his silence

The latest setback comes as Bryson DeChambeau made his first public statement since the announcement was made that LIV Golf intends to wind down its operations. 

The two-time U.S. Open champion was among the first wave of players to be recruited by LIV in 2022 and has always appeared keen on remaining with the league. 

DeChambeau wrote in a social media statement that he "gave everything" to keep the tour alive. 

"I'm not going to rewrite the last four years," the 33-year-old said. 

"I made a decision I believed in and I'm grateful for what came with it," 

"I believed this game could reach more people, in more places, in a new way. 

"I still believe that and I gave it everything I had to keep team golf alive."

DeChambeau acknowledged his immediate future now lay elsewhere. 

The European-based DP World Tour have reportedly told the American he is eligible for an automatic exemption to join the circuit in 2027 but he has one week to decided. 

DeChambeau has already confirmed that he will play in Gary Player's Nedbank Golf Challenge next month. 

"Beyond that, I'll go about whatever is next in the right way," he said.

"Arnold Palmer said no player is bigger than the game and I want to acknowledge that, along the way, I've said some things that didn't help.

"Whatever comes next, I'll approach it with humility and respect for the people who carried this game long before me.

"My passion has been to grow this game. That's still the goal."