Louisiana television stations are reporting that upcoming LIV golf events have been postponed, the latest development fueling persistent questions about the league’s financial foundations and increasing speculation that financial concerns have become an unwanted distraction.
The report emerged just weeks after LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill launched a media blitz aimed at countering widespread claims that the Saudi Public Investment Fund was preparing to scale back or withdraw support. O’Neill reportedly told multiple officials at the Masters venue that the circuit was fully funded through at least this year, demonstrating confidence and stability amid increased scrutiny.
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“The reality is we are funded through the season and then we work like crazy as a business to create a business and a business plan to keep us going,” O’Neill said. “But it’s no different than any other private equity-funded business in human history.”
Smash GC’s Tarah Gooch speaks with LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill during the first hole of the second day of LIV Golf Andalusia in Valderrama, Cadiz, Spain on July 12, 2025.
Now, WDSU in New Orleans is reporting that LIV Golf Louisiana, scheduled for June, has been postponed.
The event, the first of its kind in New Orleans and City Park, is supported by the Saudi Private Investment Fund.
Officials told WDSU that Louisiana will postpone the event until LIV can restructure its finances and find additional funding sources.
Events may be rescheduled in the future.
LIV Golf’s schedule features three events before the Louisiana event, one at Trump National in Washington, D.C., followed by events in South Korea and Spain.
O’Neill did not specifically mention funding, but sent a memo to LIV Golf employees on April 15 stating that the 2026 season “will continue at full throttle, as planned, without interruption.” A Reuters report, citing multiple sources, says LIV has been funded through the end of this season, but bigger questions remain. O’Neal had not acknowledged that was the case until interviewing Wilson on TNT Sports.
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Either way, Louisiana was ready to roll out the red carpet for the event, WDSU said.
City Park underwent extensive renovations to the golf course in advance of the LIV event.
City Park is a state entity that received $2 million to upgrade its facilities in preparation for the tournament.
Gov. Jeff Landry’s office also set aside $3 million in hosting fees to lure LIV to New Orleans, promising a $70 million boost during what would normally be a summer tourism slump.
While there have been reports of funding issues, LIV Golf continues to operate as usual, including a recent opening in Mexico City. Additionally, the team formerly known as Smash GC, captained by Brooks Koepka, changed its name to OKGC in honor of current captain Tarah Gooch’s Oklahoma roots. After Koepka left LIV Golf in December, Gooch became Smash’s frontman.
golf week has asked LIV Golf officials for comment.
Tim Schmidt is Golfweek’s editor-in-chief.
This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Report: Louisiana LIV golf event postponed due to funding issues
