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The Saudi Golf League, also known as the LIV Golf League, is a professional men's golf tour financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The league was launched in 2022 by former professional golfer Greg Norman, who was replaced by longtime sports executive Scott O'Neil in 2025. The inaugural season of the LIV Golf League kicked off in 2023, featuring 14 tournaments played across 14 global locations. The league has faced criticism from human rights groups as a form of sportswashing by the Saudi monarchy, which has been accused of corruption and human rights abuses. Despite this, LIV Golf has attracted big-name golfers with lucrative offers and continues to gain momentum, striving to rival the PGA Tour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | LIV Golf League |
| Type | Professional men's golf tour |
| Format | 13 teams of 4 players each, plus 2 wildcards, for a total of 54 players |
| Season structure | 13 regular season events followed by a Team Championship finale |
| Scoring system | Points are awarded based on individual and team performance, with the winner taking 40 points and the top 8 teams earning points |
| Course locations | Saudi Arabia, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, South Korea |
| Sponsors | Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia |
| Criticism | Accused of sportswashing by human rights groups due to Saudi Arabia's human rights record |
| CEO | Scott O'Neil (replaced Greg Norman in 2025) |
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What You'll Learn
- Format: 13 teams, 54 players, 14 tournaments, 13 regular-season events, and a Team Championship finale
- Controversies: Accusations of sportswashing, aiding Saudi Arabia's repressive regime, and improving its image
- Signings: Tom McKibbin, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and more
- History: The Invitational Series became the LIV Golf League in 2023
- PGA Tour: Potential deals, partnerships, and agreements
Format: 13 teams, 54 players, 14 tournaments, 13 regular-season events, and a Team Championship finale
The LIV Golf League is a professional men's golf tour. The name "LIV" refers to the Roman numerals for 54, the number of holes played at LIV events. The league features 13 teams, 54 players, 14 tournaments, 13 regular-season events, and a Team Championship finale.
Each of the 13 teams consists of four players, with two additional wildcard players, bringing the total number of players to 54. The season runs from February to August, with 13 regular-season events followed by the Team Championship finale. Each event begins with a shotgun start, meaning that there are 18 groups of players spread around the course at each hole, all teeing off simultaneously.
During the regular season, the league hosts 13 tournaments, with an individual title and a team title up for grabs at each event. All four players' scores count for each team in each round, adding pressure and increasing the drama on the team leaderboard throughout the three tournament days. Points are awarded, with the top eight teams earning points ranging from 32 points for the winning team to one point for the eighth-place team.
After the regular season, there is a play-in match between the 12th and 13th-seeded teams, followed by a weekend of eliminator golf, including quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final match between the top three teams. Every player's score counts towards their team's performance, and the winning team is determined by the final total score after all 18 holes. The format combines the drama of match play with the traditional stroke play format for the final round, creating a unique and exciting competition.
LIV Golf has faced criticism from human rights groups as sportswashing by Saudi Arabia, an attempt to improve its global image through sports in light of the country's human rights abuses. Despite this, the league has gained popularity and attracted big-name golfers with lucrative deals.
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Controversies: Accusations of sportswashing, aiding Saudi Arabia's repressive regime, and improving its image
The Saudi golf league, also known as LIV Golf, is a professional men's golf tour financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. It has been mired in controversy since its inception, facing accusations of sportswashing and aiding Saudi Arabia's repressive regime.
LIV Golf has been accused of being a tool for the Saudi monarchy to improve its public image and divert attention from its corruption and human rights abuses. The league has lured top golfers away from the PGA Tour with lucrative salaries and a festive atmosphere, turning tournaments into open-air parties. This has led to accusations of sportswashing, a term used to describe the practice of countries using sports to enhance their international reputation and deflect from controversial issues or policies.
Saudi Arabia has been widely criticized for its human rights record and repression of dissent. The country has been accused of brutal practices, including the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which caused international outcry. While the Saudi government has denied any involvement in Khashoggi's death, it has faced pushback from human rights advocates and families of the victims. The alleged assassination of Khashoggi by Saudi operatives brought attention to the country's repressive nature, despite some reforms implemented by the crown prince.
LIV Golf has been at the center of this controversy, with critics arguing that the league is complicit in aiding Saudi Arabia's repressive regime. PGA Commissioner Jay Monahan initially suspended players who took deals with LIV Golf and allied with 9/11 Families United in criticizing the Saudi government. However, the PGA later joined forces with LIV Golf under an umbrella organization, citing the financial threat posed by Saudi investment.
Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments, has faced accusations of aiding the repressive Saudi government for his financial gain. Norman denied these claims, stating that he works for LIV Golf because of his passion for the sport. However, his defense of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's involvement in Khashoggi's murder drew extensive criticism, including from Khashoggi's fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, who found his remarks hurtful and dismissive.
LIV Golf's rapid growth and influence in global sports have sparked debates about the ethics of engaging with countries accused of human rights abuses. While some golfers have criticized and refused to join LIV Golf, others have defended their participation, navigating a complex balance between their careers and the league's controversial nature.
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Signings: Tom McKibbin, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and more
The Saudi Golf League, also known as LIV Golf, is a breakaway league that has attracted several high-profile golfers with lucrative deals. The league has caused controversy, with many believing it to be an attempt at sportswashing by Saudi Arabia to cover up its human rights record. Despite this, several golfers have made the switch to the Saudi-backed league, including Tom McKibbin, Jon Rahm, and Tyrrell Hatton.
Tom McKibbin, a 22-year-old golfer from Northern Ireland, confirmed his move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league in January 2025. McKibbin is regarded as one of the game's finest young prospects, having already become a winner on the DP World Tour and earning PGA Tour rights for 2025. His decision to join LIV Golf came as a surprise to many, including his mentor, Rory McIlroy, who expressed his disappointment and belief that the move was not "worth the sacrifice" of missing out on competing against the world's best on the US circuit. McKibbin's move could also jeopardize his prospects of securing a Ryder Cup debut, as LIV events do not carry world ranking points.
Jon Rahm, a former Masters winner, joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league in December 2023 in a deal worth up to £450 million. Rahm's decision was described as a "seismic shift" in the sport, as he became the second current major champion on the LIV circuit after US PGA champion Brooks Koepka. Rahm expressed his excitement about joining LIV Golf and believed it was the best decision for him and his family. He also downplayed the financial aspect, stating that he felt a ""duty to his family" to accept the offer. Rahm's move to LIV Golf placed his future in the Ryder Cup in jeopardy, as he needed to remain a DP World Tour member to be eligible.
Tyrrell Hatton, an English golfer, joined the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league in January 2024, becoming a part of Jon Rahm's new team, Legion XIII. Hatton had been mentioned as a target for LIV Golf since the league signed Rahm in 2023. He expressed his excitement about the next chapter, linking up with Rahm and the team. Hatton's signing included a bonus of £50 million ($63 million). With Hatton being a top 20 player in the world, his addition further bolstered the league's appeal.
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History: The Invitational Series became the LIV Golf League in 2023
The LIV Golf League is a professional men's golf tour. The name "LIV" refers to the Roman numerals for 54, the number of holes played at LIV events. The first LIV Golf Invitational Series event started on June 9, 2022, at the Centurion Club near St Albans in Hertfordshire, UK.
The Invitational Series became the LIV Golf League in 2023. Before the 2023 LIV Golf League, Danny Lee, Thomas Pieters, Mito Pereira, and Sebastian Munoz were among the players who joined the circuit. No new signings were announced during the 2023 season. In December 2023, reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm signed with LIV Golf and was given ownership of a new expansion team, Legion XIII.
LIV Golf is financed by the Public Investment Fund, the sovereign wealth fund of Saudi Arabia. Some journalists and human rights groups have criticized the tour as sportswashing, a political strategy by the Saudi monarchy, which has been criticized for its corruption and human rights abuses, to improve its public image through sports.
Talks continue over a golf peace deal between LIV and established tours, such as the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, more than a year past the intended deadline of New Year's Eve 2023. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, who replaced Greg Norman, believes a deal with PGA Tour Enterprises would unlock opportunities for the Saudi Arabia-backed league.
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PGA Tour: Potential deals, partnerships, and agreements
The Saudi Golf League, or LIV Golf League, is a golf league backed by Saudi Arabia or the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. It consists of 14 tournaments across 14 global locations, with 54 players divided into 13 teams of 4 players each, plus two Wildcards. The league has a unique format that includes both individual and team competitions, with points and prize money awarded based on performance. The season usually runs from February to August, with 13 regular-season events followed by a Team Championship finale.
As for the PGA Tour, there have been discussions about a potential deal with the Saudi Golf League to unite the golf world. While there have been reports suggesting that a resolution was imminent, no final agreement has been reached as of 2025. However, it is believed that the new US President-elect, Donald Trump, could help broker a deal to merge the PGA Tour and the Saudi Golf League. There have been high-level discussions involving the PGA Tour commissioner, Jay Monahan, and player director, Adam Scott, at the White House.
The PGA Tour has several potential partnerships and agreements in the works, including:
- Framework Agreement: The PGA Tour has been in discussions with the Saudi Golf League, or LIV Golf, and the DP World Tour to formalize a Framework Agreement to unite golf. While the targeted date of New Year's Eve 2023 passed without a deal, negotiations have continued behind closed doors.
- Partnerships with Media and Broadcasting Companies: The PGA Tour has partnerships with media and broadcasting companies to showcase its events. For example, ESPN covers the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, providing live coverage, highlights, and analysis to golf fans worldwide.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: The PGA Tour has various sponsorships and endorsements with companies such as Comcast Business, Aon, and Fortinet. These partnerships provide funding and support for PGA Tour events and initiatives.
- Collaborations with Other Golf Tours: In addition to the potential merger with the Saudi Golf League, the PGA Tour already has collaborations with other golf tours, such as the DP World Tour and the Korn Ferry Tour. These partnerships allow for cross-tour participation, rankings, and eligibility, creating a more unified golf community.
- Player Endorsements and Agreements: The PGA Tour works closely with top golfers, and potential agreements or endorsements with players could be on the horizon. For example, the PGA Tour website mentions players like R. MacIntyre, T. Fleetwood, and S. Scheffler, indicating potential partnerships or agreements for endorsements or exclusive player appearances.
- White House Support: With the involvement of President Donald Trump, the PGA Tour may gain additional support and resources to facilitate agreements or partnerships. This could include government backing, access to exclusive venues, and potential funding or sponsorship opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
The Saudi Golf League, also known as LIV Golf, is a professional men's golf tour. The league is financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.
The first Saudi Golf League event started on 9 June 2022 at the Centurion Club in the UK.
There are 54 players in the Saudi Golf League, 52 attached to one of 13 teams, plus two wildcards.
The season runs from February to August, with 13 regular season events followed by a Team Championship finale. Each event begins with a shotgun start, with 18 groups of players spread around the course at each hole, teeing off at the same time.
Some notable players in the Saudi Golf League include Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson.
