LIV Golf, the Saudi-funded company behind the launch of the new LIV Golf Invitational Series, has announced an expanded event schedule in 2023-25 backed by a $2 billion investment.
The new schedule includes 10 events in 2023, followed by a full season of 14 events in 2024 and 2025. Tournaments will take place across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe and North America, although specific dates and venues for these tournaments will be announced at a later date.
According to LIV Golf, the schedules will never compete with the Majors, international team events or what it calls ‘heritage events’ on the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. However, the PGA Tour issued a statement on Tuesday night that it has informed its members that it will not give special dispensation for PGA Tour members to play in any of the LIV Golf tournaments, meaning that they would be deemed in violation of the tour’s regulations and subject to disciplinary action should they take part in any events in the series, which could include suspension or a revocation of their PGA Tour membership.
“We have a long-term vision and we’re here to stay,” said Greg Norman, CEO and Commissioner of LIV Golf. “We’re going to grow the game, give more opportunities to players, and create a more entertaining product for fans. We believe in adding new experiences and energy to golf, and that includes building out our future schedule in more global markets.
“Sadly, the PGA Tour seems intent on denying professional golfers their right to play golf, unless it’s exclusively in a PGA Tour tournament. This is particularly disappointing in light of the Tour’s non-profit status, where its mission is purportedly ‘to promote the common interests of professional tournament golfers.’ Instead, the Tour is intent on perpetuating its monopoly of what should be a free and open market. The Tour’s action is anti-golfer, anti-fan, and anti-competitive. But no matter what obstacles the PGA Tour puts in our way, we will not be stopped. We will continue to give players options that promote the great game of golf globally.”
Norman added: “We’re creating an entertaining product that will increase golf participation and attract new fans across a broader global footprint. We realise it won’t happen overnight, and we’re excited for the opportunities LIV Golf will add to the game as we continue to grow.”
Announced in March, the 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series will feature simultaneous team and individual play, with players competing for a total prize fund of $255m. Each event will consist of three rounds with 54 holes and no cut, as well as shotgun starts.
The 2022 schedule takes place over seven regular season events, culminating in the eighth and final Team Championship matchplay event. The venues and dates for the 2022 schedule of events is listed below.
- June 9 – 11: Centurion Golf Club – London
- June 30 – July 2: Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club – Portland
- July 29 – 31: Trump National Golf Club Bedminster – New Jersey
- Sept 2 – 4: The International – Boston
- Sept 16 – 18: Rich Harvest Farms – Chicago
- Oct 7 – 9: Stonehill – Bangkok
- Oct 14 – 16: Royal Greens Golf Club – Jeddah
- Oct 27 – 30: Trump National Doral – Miami