Check in every week for the unfiltered opinions of our writers and editors as they delve into the hottest topics in sports, and join the conversation by tweeting us at @golf_com. This week, we discuss the future of LIV Golf as the deadline for players to commit to LIV 2.0 approaches.
In the latest chapter of LIV Golf’s march towards LIV 2.0, several players – Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton and Louis Oosthuizen among them – have announced that they will not be participating in the league next season. Meanwhile, only a few players have publicly committed to the league. There is one Sunday is the deadline for players to commit to LIV 2.0although there seems to be a bit of a walk. Has the last news cycle made you doubt that next year will happen at all?
Dylan Dethier, Senior Writer (@dylan_dethier): Of course! Think about what we know. Some of LIV’s biggest names, biggest talents and even staunch original supporters have jumped ship. Some of the highest profile players that remain are owed millions and are fighting in the league to try to get them. Whole teams are out. The funding source is long. Its original mission is also. I think I don’t understand well for what It will continue at this point, except as a globetrotter showcase for Bryson and friends or an elaborate tax scheme.
Josh Schrock, associate news editor (@Schrock_And_Awe): I was already quite skeptical about LIV 2.0’s potential to get off the ground. Once Rahm left, I felt the league was DOA or would only exist as a Bryson-centric net operating loss tax scheme. No reason to think otherwise now.
Jake Morrow, Gear Content Manager (@madefortherange): I don’t think LIV 2.0 has much of a chance. I want them to understand what they have done to pursue the path of history for the game of golf and fade into the sunset. Bryson isn’t doing enough to change that, and I don’t think he has his heart in it anymore.
The highest-profile name still connected to LIV Golf is Bryson DeChambeau, who ESPN said last week via sources: “remains committed to LIV Golf and is working diligently behind the scenes to bring LIV 2.0 to fruition.” How much power to Bryson when it comes to the future of LIV? Without Jon Rahm, is his presence more important than ever?
Dethier: Yes, there is a version of this thing that is built around Bryson; which may be the most consistent view at this point. But it’s Bryson and – who else? In any case, yes. Bryson is everything.
Schrock: If LIV has Bryson, in theory, they have something. What it is, I don’t know. If he leaves, he is even more in the grave than it already seems.
tomorrow: I believe Bryson’s biggest concern is to help grow the game and impact the community. There was a plan for this in the original LIV Golf scheme, but it was long overdue, and he had the growth and resources to pull it off on his own. What he shared about what he wants to build is an amazing thing for the game, and I hope he decides to do that instead of standing around supporting a league that doesn’t keep its promises.
Even last week, the last batch of documents released by the bankruptcy court offers a more in-depth look at LIV’s financesincluding the fact that LIV paid $15.6 million in retention fees to executives before filing for bankruptcy and that even Cameron Young had signed an intent-to-play agreement before walking. What was the most revealing or interesting nugget from the released documents?
Dethier: I don’t know, just a number of reminders that failure can be a bad business. Are the guys in charge getting paid exorbitant sums while the league is struggling and the vendors are being stiffed? Not exactly a feel good story.
Schrock: It is not super surprised that some white collars who took money to manage a league that was an exercise in soft power filled their pockets while stiffing sellers. Cam Young’s intention to play was mildly interesting given where his career is now and how different things could be. Big win for the PGA Tour here.
tomorrow: My favorite part was how many domains “LIV Sucks” bought to make sure no one else could support websites.
TGL, the golf simulator league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, is gearing up for a third season and just announced the team list. New players are in, some are out, with a whole new team created in Detroit. Are you surprised that there has been enough interest in TGL to now start a third season? What is the league done right?
Dethier: The league took advantage of a void in the sports schedule, didn’t take itself too seriously (mostly), and showcased some of the sport’s top stars in a different setting. Plus, it involved Tiger and Rory. I’d like to see them find a way to make the schedule more reliable so you know exactly where and when to find it each week – and as the league continues to expand, I’m curious if general interest will stagnate or grow with it.
Schrock: As GOLF.comTGL’s resident appreciator, I’m not surprised. I feel like after the awkward first five or six weeks, they’ve really figured out who I am. They have been agile, they have made changes and acquired the player. I think getting guys like Jackson Koivun, Blades Brown and Michael Brennan shows that there is more interest among players and a fan demographic than you might think. They have Tiger as a trump card. There is a clear ceiling for interest, but they have found a good place in the sports calendar and create a product that is fun and competitive, different from normal golf, and speaks to a different audience. It doesn’t have to be for everyone.
tomorrow: I don’t think it’s really interesting or growing. It is like a chain of stores that continues to open places so that their books also out. The audience numbers are not really there, the social following is quite dim. They should mix the girls with the boys. Charley Hull talking trash to Xander would have been good TV.
The field for the Heroes World Challenge in December is set, and while the host Tiger Woods is not on the fieldThere are three open spots to be filled as the tournament approaches. Give me your percentage chance that Woods takes one of those spots himself and makes his first start since the 2024 Open Championship?
Dethier: I’ll pick it out and call it 50/50. Tiger clearly played golf. I imagine he marked Hero, PNC, TGL, Riviera and Augusta National on his calendar. I have no idea of his current level of desire to tee off in competitive stroke-play golf. But we have nearly 50 years of evidence suggesting it’s probably still pretty damn high.
Schrock: It’s hard to say. 50/50 is probably the right call, DD. I have to say no. He will speak at the press conference and will say that he is still focused on things outside of golf and that his game must be strong to compete. But the Hero is a nice soft landing for his re-entry if he wants to.
tomorrow: Okay, I’ll be the negative nelly. I think there is 0% chance he plays. There is a greater chance that he invites Jackson Koivun or Blades Brown to play. I’d give Jordan Speith a higher chance of getting invited than Tiger getting invited to play.
