LIV Golf Puts New Orleans Event on Hold as Funding Questions Linger

LIV Golf’s planned stop in New Orleans this June is being postponed, multiple sources confirm, as the breakaway league scrambles to secure its financial footing after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund pulled back on its commitment to keep writing checks.

The tournament was set for June 25-28 at Bayou Oaks in City Park. An official announcement is expected Tuesday.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois had been pushing LIV executives for a decision in recent weeks. Sources say the league has been working with Governor Jeff Landry’s office and state economic development officials to find possible new dates this fall. LIV cites three reasons for the delay: avoiding peak summer heat, making sure the course is in top shape, and steering clear of conflicts with the World Cup.

But the bigger story is money. The PIF has poured more than $5 billion into LIV since 2022—about $100 million a month—covering player contracts and purses that jumped from $25 million to $30 million this season. Earlier this month, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved a five-year plan for the fund that focuses on domestic projects. LIV wasn’t mentioned.

Louisiana had already spent $2 million on course upgrades and was ready to spend another $5 million. LIV has agreed to return $1.2 million it received.

CEO Scott O’Neil told staff in an April 15 email that the 2026 season is “full throttle.” During last week’s broadcast from Mexico City, he added: “You’re funded through the season, then you work like crazy to create a business plan to keep us going.”

Seven tournaments remain this season, four in the U.S. The next stop is May 7-10 at Trump National in Virginia.