sports
January 29, 2026
LIV and let die: Reed’s return to PGA fold shows why Saudi golf experiment is doomed
Despite an estimated outlay of $6bn since 2022, LIV appears to be far away from establishing itself in the manner of PIF projects in other sports
TL;DR
- Elite golfers, including Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed, are leaving LIV Golf, suggesting that the tour's financial incentives do not compensate for the lack of legacy and significance.
- The PGA Tour, which feared LIV's disruption, is now benefiting from LIV's struggles and welcoming back players who previously joined the Saudi-backed tour.
- LIV Golf, which has reportedly spent billions since its 2022 inception, is unlikely to succeed in challenging established tours like the PGA or DP World Tours.
- Saudi Arabia, despite investments in other sports, is expected to fail in golf, marking a reputational setback for Yasir al-Rumayyan and the Public Investment Fund.
- While LIV provided financial windfalls for some veteran golfers and a platform for those disliking PGA Tour life, its overall objective of seriously rivaling other tours is seen as a failure.
- Wider market forces and Saudi Arabia's reprioritization of projects like Neom suggest a potential scaling back or abrupt end to LIV's cash flow.
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