LIV Golf has started preparing for life without the PIF’s funding. Starting next season, LIV 2.0 will be underway, and recent reports suggest a drastic drop in tournament purses. Will LIV Golfers stick around then? Let’s find out.

The PIF reportedly invested over $5 billion into LIV since its launch in 2022. Now, with a change in investment, it is inevitable that the league's structure will transition. Flushing It unveiled that in detail.

“We are very confident future purses will be above DP World Tour levels and player take home will be in line with the PGA Tour,” said the well-placed LIV Golf source.

Flushing It’s sources have reported that they expect 5 events in the league to have $15 million purses, whereas the rest will have $10 million as total payout.

The higher end of purses could well be for the 5 “team majors” that will be incorporated into the LIV 2.0 schedule.

The schedule reportedly will comprise 10 team events and 8-10 national opens, with 5 “team majors” and 5 “team signature events”. 

“From sourcing within player ranks, the purse sizes are, obviously, one of the most important factors impacting their commitment. Several players suggested to me if the purses fall in line with the DP World Tour they probably wouldn’t stay. But at $10-$15 million it’s a different proposition,” read the post. 

The drop in total payout will be significant, as currently the LIV events have a staggering purse of $30million.

Although the purses will be reduced to half, they will still be significantly larger than those of the DP World Tour events, with the highest payout of $10 million at the DP World Tour Championship.

However, a further drop in payout could lead to LIV Golfers opting out of the team-based league. 

With the league’s motive as “built by the players, for the players,” LIV 2.0 is underway. The players are set to be provided equity in the league and also in their teams. 

Moreover, the media rights will be returned to the players, and multiple sources indicate that FOX Sports is waiting to sign a new deal with the league. 

One of LIV’s biggest stars, Bryson DeChambeau, vouched his approval for the league’s new plans.

Bryson DeChambeau on the LIV 2.0 plans

Crushers GC captain Bryson DeChambeau has gone all out to help the league secure investment. He has been part of business meetings alongside LIV CEO Scott O'Neil and has played a major role in the pitching process.

“I think this has a lot of opportunity,” DeChambeau said after his opening round at LIV Golf Andalucia on Thursday. “And if somebody sees the plan that (LIV CEO) Scott (O’Neil) and them are putting forward … Yeah, I’ve been helping a little bit behind the scenes, and I think that there’s a lot of benefit to capital coming into this league.”

DeChambeau will certainly benefit from LIV’s move to return media rights to the players. With a massive following, the 32-year-old was signed with a lucrative contract.

Developments regarding the players’ contracts are yet to unfold, but if the LIV event purses fall in line with DP World Tour events, it wouldn’t be a shock when LIV golfers opt for a move away to the European Tour.

What do you think? If the LIV purse falls, will the players walk? Share your thoughts.

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Written by

Avishek Sarkar