Official: Saudi fund withdraws from LIV Golf

In a significant development for the world of professional golf, the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced its intention to withdraw financial support from the LIV Golf tour following the 2026 season. This decision signals a major turning point for the upstart league, which has relied heavily on the PIF's substantial backing since its inception.

The PIF's involvement in golf has been a subject of considerable controversy, with critics accusing Saudi Arabia of using sports to "sportswash" its human rights record. LIV Golf, launched in 2022, aimed to challenge the established PGA Tour, offering lucrative contracts to top players and a new, team-based format. However, it has faced ongoing resistance from traditional golf bodies and a divided player base.

While the exact reasons for the PIF's withdrawal from direct funding after 2026 remain undisclosed, the move is likely to have profound implications for LIV Golf's future. The tour's ability to sustain its high-profile events and player compensation without the PIF's continued financial injection is now a critical question. This development is being closely watched by golf stakeholders worldwide, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where the PIF's strategic investments are seen as central to the nation's Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. The future of LIV Golf, and indeed the broader landscape of professional golf, appears to be in flux.