[Photo: Sarah Reed]
After weeks of rumours, LIV Golf has informed its players that the season-ending event has been cancelled, according to a report from the Telegraph.
LIV Golf Michigan’s demise has been speculated for some time. Martin Kaymer said last month that the event had a “5 percent” chance of happening, no infrastructure has been built on the host venue despite a scheduled date of August 27, and a LIV announcer stated the Indianapolis event would be the final stop on the schedule. But LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil would not comment on the matter last week in New Jersey, saying only, “We have not made any final formal decisions and hope to in the coming weeks.”
However, according to the Telegraph’s James Corrigan, players have now been told LIV Michigan won’t be held. As of writing, no official announcement has been made, and tickets are still available and are being sold on LIV’s website.
This is the second LIV event cancelled this year after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund pulled its financial backing, as the league said it was postponing its New Orleans stop due to summer heat and soccer’s World Cup.
Last week O’Neil announced LIV had secured a ‘lead investor’ to keep the league going, although he did not disclose the entity’s name. There are questions about whether the backing is actually structured as a loan, whether it’s dependent on other investors joining, and whether it’s contingent on a certain number of players remaining with the league. LIV has already signalled it may file for bankruptcy and is facing a lawsuit from the Premier Golf League where the PGL alleges LIV of breach of confidence and unlawful means conspiracy. Golf Digest reported earlier this year that a number of managers for LIV players have reached out to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour regarding avenues to return, and if LIV files for bankruptcy those still under contract will be freed from existing deals.
LIV Indianapolis remains on schedule and is expected to begin next Thursday, August 20.
