Report: LIV Golf secure enough player support for 2027 plans

LIV Golf have received verbal commitments from enough players to press ahead with their plans for 2027, according to a report.

Industry sources told Golf Channel that a significant number of players have committed to the proposed new version of the circuit, putting LIV comfortably above the threshold required to secure future funding.

The development comes less than a month after LIV filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States as it seeks to restructure and continue beyond the 2026 season.

It's understood existing LIV players have until 13 October to pledge their support. 

Golf Channel have also reported former Masters champion Sergio Garcia is seeking clarity over his future. 

Garcia's lawyers asked a US bankruptcy court this week either to confirm that his existing agreement with LIV has ended or allow him to terminate it.

The 46-year-old's representatives argued that leaving the contract in place could make it harder for Garcia to deal with tournament organisers, sponsors and other potential partners because of uncertainty over his contractual obligations.

The filing does not necessarily mean Garcia will leave LIV. 

It would, however, give the 2017 Masters champion greater freedom to consider his options for next season.

Garcia has already said he plans to play more on the DP World Tour in 2027.

The Spaniard has made it clear that he still believes that he can contribute to the European Ryder Cup team, both as a player or in a leadership role. 

The Ryder Cup is heading to Spain in 2031 and there's no doubt Garcia would love to be involved.

LIV's future has been uncertain since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund announced in April that it would stop funding the league after this season. 

The PIF had spent more than $5bn on LIV since its launch, helping attract major champions including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson with lucrative contracts and prize money.

LIV subsequently filed for bankruptcy protection on 8 September, with court documents showing it had liabilities of between $500m and $1bn and owed at least $45m to current and former players among its largest unsecured creditors.

The league has agreed a restructuring deal with BC Partners as it attempts to establish a new model, with players expected to have a greater ownership role.

A condition of that agreement is that at least 50% of players with financial claims against LIV agree to take part in the new league, while those players must account for at least two-thirds of the total value of player claims.

Golf Channel reported that LIV has secured enough verbal commitments to exceed that threshold. The deadline for meeting the condition is 13 October.

LIV chief executive Scott O'Neil has outlined plans for a reduced 10-event schedule in 2027, with five team events and five individual tournaments.

The league's bankruptcy case is due to return to court on 7 October.