Various media outlets in the United States, including a local television station, have reported in the last few hours that the LIV Golf tournament that was due to take place from 25 to 28 June in Louisiana is going to be postponed. According to reports, an official statement is expected this Tuesday. The report suggests that the official reasons for the suspension are the high temperatures expected in Louisiana at that time, the clash with the United States World Cup, as well as ensuring that the course is presented in the best possible condition.
Obviously, none of those three reasons are really convincing if we apply the slightest common sense. They sound more like an excuse fashioned afterwards. Mostly because when the tournament date was decided it was already known that Louisiana is very hot at that time of year, so the course might not be in the best condition, not to mention that the United States World Cup was awarded in 2018, when LIV Golf was not even an idea on paper.
That said, the decision to postpone the Louisiana tournament, if confirmed in the coming hours, does nothing but add uncertainty to the future of the Saudi-backed league, just a few days after the end of funding from the country’s Sovereign Public Investment Fund was announced. In principle, Scott O’Neil, CEO of LIV, said that at least this season would be completed in full, while they try to find the necessary financing to continue without the support of the PIF, something that looks really difficult. At least, to continue on the same terms as at present.
Before the Louisiana event, LIV Golf has three other tournaments scheduled. The first is next week in Virginia, the next at the end of May in South Korea and the third would be the LIV at Valderrama in Spain in early June. Ten Golf has contacted sources connected with the Valderrama tournament and there is calm and conviction that the championship will take place. In fact, tents are already being erected on the course. In any case, there is a background of uncertainty and everyone is aware that things could happen.
Reports on the postponement of the Louisiana tournament indicate that the new date could be in September or October, which creates even more confusion, since LIV Golf theoretically finishes in August, so it is not clear what purpose that tournament would serve: whether it would be added to this season, be part of the next one or simply be a one-week exhibition that would not count towards any ranking.
