The upcoming LIV Golf tournament slated for New Orleans this summer has been put on hold, as confirmed by Louisiana authorities on Tuesday. Both the state and LIV Golf still express a desire for a revised version of the competition to occur in the autumn, though its precise format and timing are yet to be determined.
“Firstly, we extend our gratitude to Zurich and the PGA Tour leadership for delivering another excellent tournament this past weekend,” stated Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana economic development secretary Susan Bourgeois in a joint announcement. “We take pride in our ongoing collaboration and the yearly opportunities this event brings to our state.
“Secretary Bourgeois engaged with LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil last Friday and was informed that the organization intends to defer its June 2026 event in New Orleans to explore the possibility of a fall competition. The state has already dispensed $3.2 million in accordance with the agreement. LIV is expected to return all state incentive funds, with the exception of the $2 million already invested in enhancements for City Park, ensuring these improvements remain beneficial for the community.
“We commend LIV’s earnest efforts and look forward to sustaining our collaboration as we continue discussions regarding an event later in the year. We are thankful for the contributions of our local partners and the cooperative spirit that supported this endeavor. Louisiana continues to advance with considerable momentum, and we remain dedicated to pursuing opportunities that generate value for our communities.”
LIV Golf Louisiana was initially scheduled to commence on June 25, merely a week after the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills. Should this tournament not proceed or be replaced, LIV Golf’s competitive schedule will feature a month-long interval, leaving players without a circuit event to prepare for The Open at Royal Birkdale, which is set to begin on July 16.
Instead, the league’s play will resume the subsequent week, on July 23, at the JCB Golf & Country Club located in Great Britain.
Reports indicate that the state of Louisiana had allocated approximately $7 million to bring LIV Golf to New Orleans. Of this, $5 million was paid to LIV Golf as a hosting fee, and $2 million was earmarked for course upgrades, which has been largely utilized. Due to a contractual clawback provision, LIV Golf is required to reimburse the $1.2 million it has already received and is no longer eligible for the remaining $4 million.
This financial back-and-forth unfolds during a turbulent period for the league. Information has emerged suggesting that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund intends to halt its financing for the league at the conclusion of the season, in light of the nation’s revised financial priorities announced several weeks prior.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, in an email to league employees, maintained that the organization was in a robust financial position, asserting that the 2026 season would proceed “exactly as planned, without interruption and at full speed.” However, during an interview with TNT Sports, O’Neil acknowledged the necessity to “work tirelessly” to ensure its continuation.
LIV Golf is preparing for its inaugural entry into the United States next week at Trump National DC for the LIV Golf Virginia event. This tournament initiates a packed segment of the calendar, which will see the league travel to South Korea from May 28-31, followed by a competition in Spain from June 4-7.
