#liv_golf

DP World Tour Prepared to Fine LIV Golfers Again in 2027 The DP World Tour has signaled it will reinstate strict penalties for LIV Golf players beyond the 2026 season, according to a source familiar with the situation. This follows a previous arrangement in February where eight LIV Golfers were granted conditional releases to compete in DP World Tour events without facing fines or suspensions. The tour’s decision to rescind this leniency marks a shift in its approach to managing conflicts with the rival league. The conditional releases allowed players such as Tyrrell Hatton, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig, and Elvis Smylie to participate in DP World Tour events in 2026 without penalties, provided they paid previously incurred fines and committed to playing additional DP World Tour tournaments. Jon Rahm, who was not initially included in the February agreement, negotiated his own deal with the DP World Tour in May. However, the tour is now advising these players that similar arrangements are unlikely to be extended beyond 2026, urging them not to rely on such possibilities for future scheduling. The DP World Tour’s February announcement highlighted the potential “additional value” LIV players could bring to its events but explicitly stated that the conditional releases applied only to the 2026 season and were not meant to set a precedent. This stance appears to have evolved, as the tour now emphasizes stricter enforcement of its conflicting events policy. The decision comes amid broader tensions between the two leagues, with LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil promoting a restructured 2.0 model that includes reduced purses and fewer tournaments annually.#liv_golf #ryder_cup #dp_world_tour #tyrell_hatton #scott_oline

Bryson DeChambeau to Investigate Performance After LIV Golf Korea Second Round Bryson DeChambeau, the two-time U.S. Open champion, has committed to conducting an investigation into his performance following his second round at the LIV Golf Korea tournament. The 32-year-old shot rounds of 65 and 68 to trail the leader by one stroke heading into the weekend. Despite his strong showing, DeChambeau acknowledged challenges in maintaining consistency, particularly with his ball-striking. DeChambeau, who has won twice on the LIV Golf circuit this season, has struggled in major championships, missing the cut at The Masters and the PGA Championship. His recent return to form at LIV Golf Korea has been welcomed as a positive development, especially given his status as the league’s most prominent star. A strong performance in South Korea could significantly boost the tournament’s visibility. However, DeChambeau faces uncertainty regarding his future with LIV Golf. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced plans to withdraw its funding from the league by the end of the season, raising questions about the stability of the organization. Despite this, DeChambeau remains focused on his current tournament. Ahead of the LIV Golf Korea event, DeChambeau made swing adjustments, but he has not yet fully synchronized his game. At the Asiad Country Club, his ball-striking has been inconsistent, with 15 fairways hit out of 28 and 23 greens in regulation out of 36. His driving distance averages 277 yards, though he has relied heavily on 3-woods off the tee. During a media session after his second round, DeChambeau addressed his performance. While pleased with his 68, he admitted to feeling “sideways” in his play.#korea #public_investment_fund #bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #asian_country_club

PGA Tour Sees Potential for LIV Golf Players' Return Amid Financial Uncertainty Rory McIlroy, the six-time major champion, has suggested that the PGA Tour could benefit from the potential return of LIV Golf players, calling the scenario "good business" for the traditional tour. His comments come amid growing uncertainty about the future of LIV Golf, which has faced financial challenges following Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announcing its intention to withdraw its multibillion-dollar backing by the end of the year. LIV Golf has since responded with a "strategic evolution," including the establishment of an independent board to attract new investors. McIlroy, who has long criticized LIV Golf for its financial model and lack of alignment with the sport's traditional structures, expressed skepticism about the series' ability to secure new funding. He noted that the PIF's decision to exit signals a significant shift, as the fund is one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds globally. "When one of the wealthiest sovereign wealth funds in the world thinks that you're too expensive for them, that sort of says something," McIlroy remarked, reflecting on the implications of the PIF's withdrawal. The situation has prompted mixed reactions from LIV Golf players. Bryson DeChambeau, a key figure in the breakaway series, has stated he will prioritize growing his YouTube channel and only participate in tournaments that "want me" if LIV fails to survive. This stance contrasts with other players who have already secured deals to continue competing on the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour. For instance, Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour under a returning member program, while Jon Rahm struck a deal to play on the DP World Tour, ending a standoff with the European tour.#rory_mcilroy #pga_tour #brooks_koepka #brian_rolapp #liv_golf

Tyrrell Hatton's Masters Frustration Boils Over After Unlucky Bunker Shot Tyrrell Hatton's frustration reached a boiling point during the opening round of the Masters at Augusta National on April 10, 2026, when a seemingly perfect approach shot on the seventh hole turned into a costly setback. The English golfer's ball struck the flagstick with precision, only to ricochet into a bunker, transforming a potential birdie into a bogey. The incident, which drew widespread attention, saw Hatton mimic an obscene gesture toward the flagstick, a reaction captured by media outlets such as Irish Star and The Mirror. The 34-year-old, known for his expressive demeanor on the course, has long been a figure of both admiration and scrutiny in professional golf. His career includes eight DP World Tour victories, a PGA Tour win at the 2020 Arnold Palmer Invitational, and four Ryder Cup appearances, with three of those matches resulting in victories. In 2024, Hatton joined LIV Golf as part of Jon Rahm's Legion XIII squad, securing his first LIV victory in Nashville that same year. Despite his accolades, the Masters has remained a challenge for the Englishman, with his performance at Augusta often reflecting the tournament's unforgiving nature. The incident occurred during a difficult first round for Hatton, who struggled to convert his ball-striking prowess into consistent scoring. His scorecard at the time showed bogeys on the third, seventh, and ninth holes, offset by birdies on the sixth and tenth. This left him at one-over par through 13 holes, tying him for 30th place in the tournament. The setback on the seventh hole, however, became a focal point of the round, as the flagstick's role in the mishap sparked both criticism and commentary from fans and analysts.#liv_golf #augusta_national #tyrrell_hatton #masters #flagstick

Phil Mickelson Withdraws from Masters Over Family Health Matter Phil Mickelson has withdrawn from the Masters Tournament, citing a "family health matter" as the reason for his absence. The 55-year-old golfer, who has competed in every Masters since 1995 except for one year, announced his decision on Thursday, emphasizing that his absence will be for an "extended period of time." Mickelson, a five-time major champion and three-time winner of the green jacket, has been a fixture at Augusta National for decades, but his withdrawal marks a significant shift in the tournament’s landscape. Mickelson’s decision comes amid a broader reshaping of the golfing world. Over the past four years, he has been a prominent figure on the LIV Golf circuit, a breakaway tour that split from the PGA Tour in 2021. However, his participation in the LIV circuit has been limited this season, with the golfer competing in just one of five events. His absence from the Masters is expected to have a lasting impact on the tournament’s field, as he is one of the most recognizable and accomplished players in the sport. The withdrawal also coincides with the departure of another iconic figure, Tiger Woods. Earlier this week, Woods announced his own absence from the Masters following a DUI arrest linked to a rollover crash in Florida. The two-time Masters champion, who has been sidelined by injuries and personal challenges in recent years, will not compete in the tournament. Together, their absences mark the first time since 1994 that neither of golf’s most legendary players will be present at Augusta National. The Masters, which begins next Thursday, will see Rory McIlroy take on the role of defending champion.#liv_golf #masters_tournament #augusta_national #tiger_woods #phil_mickelson

‘Give the fans what they want!’ Bryson DeChambeau calls out Tiger Woods with surprise offer Last updated: 18 March 2026 Bryson DeChambeau has proposed a high-profile showdown between his LIV Golf Crushers GC team and Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links squad, suggesting the matchup could become a major spectacle for fans. The two-time US Open champion, who has built the Crushers into one of LIV Golf’s most commercially successful franchises through his large YouTube following, believes team formats in golf have untapped potential to captivate audiences. DeChambeau, speaking ahead of LIV Golf’s first tournament in South Africa, emphasized the need for more team-based events in the sport. “We do play team events,” he said, referencing the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. “There should be something else. Why not?” He floated the idea of a televised clash between his Crushers and Woods’ team in an 18-hole, 4-vs-4 format, potentially broadcast on platforms like Netflix. “Let’s go. Let’s do it,” he added, suggesting the matchup could highlight the best teams in the sport. The 32-year-old golfer argued that team rivalries could elevate the game’s appeal, drawing parallels to football’s global viewership. “Only about two million people play football, but there are over 50 million that watch every week,” he noted. “In golf, it’s almost the opposite. We’re getting 3-5 million people watching a week on various tours, and there are probably 50 to 60 million people playing the game.” He believes team events could bridge the gap between casual fans and the sport itself. DeChambeau acknowledged past attempts to commercialize rivalries, such as his 2021 match against Brooks Koepka in “The Match” and a 2024 showdown with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. However, he argued the sport is still underutilizing its competitive spirit.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #tiger_woods #jupiter_links #presidents_cup

“Let’s do it”: Bryson DeChambeau Challenges Tiger Woods to LIV vs. TGL Match Bryson DeChambeau has proposed a high-profile showdown between his LIV Golf team and Tiger Woods’ TGL squad, suggesting a grudge match could elevate team golf’s profile. The idea comes as the sport continues to experiment with team formats, with LIV Golf and TGL emerging as major players in the shift from individual to team competition. DeChambeau, a vocal advocate for team golf, believes such rivalries could attract new fans and reshape the sport’s future. DeChambeau is currently in South Africa for LIV Golf’s first tournament in the country, where his Crushers GC team is set to compete. During a pre-tournament press conference, he reiterated his belief that team golf could become a central part of the sport’s identity. “I do think there’s an opportunity in the future for team golf to be next to the forefront of golf, with all the — even the majors and whatnot,” he said. While he acknowledged that team events like the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup remain the pinnacle, he argued that rivalries between teams could create new excitement. The proposed match between DeChambeau’s Crushers and Tiger Woods’ Jupiter Links team would take the form of an 18-hole, 4-on-4 stroke-play showdown. DeChambeau envisioned the event as a high-profile spectacle, potentially broadcast on platforms like Netflix to draw in sports fans unfamiliar with golf. “Imagine a scenario where we’re going up against Jupiter Links on an 18-hole showcase,” he said. “It’d be fun. Show them who’s the best, who’s the best team in the world.” DeChambeau also drew a comparison between golf and football, highlighting the disparity in audience sizes.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #crushers_gc #tiger_woods #jupiter_links

Bryson DeChambeau Adjusting to 4-Round Format at LIV Golf, Still Maintains 3-Round Mentality Bryson DeChambeau finished the first round at LIV Golf Singapore tied for the lead, marking his return to the league’s new 4-round format. Despite the shift from the previous 3-round structure, the two-time U.S. Open champion is still adapting to the change, acknowledging the challenge of adjusting his mindset. DeChambeau, one of LIV Golf’s most prominent players, initially expressed reservations about the league’s decision to extend tournaments to 54 holes. In February, he told Today’s Golfer that the format was not what he had signed up for, stating, “Is it what we ultimately signed up for? No. So I think we’re supposed to be different, so I’m a little indifferent to it right now.” However, he has since acknowledged the need to adapt. At the Sentosa G.C. event in Singapore, DeChambeau shot a 67 to finish the first round at four under par, sharing the lead with Jon Rahm, the previous LIV Hong Kong winner, as well as Lee Westwood and Richard Lee. When asked about adjusting to the four-round format, DeChambeau admitted, “Yeah, I actually do. It's an interesting topic, for numerous reasons. I think both have their advantages and disadvantages.” He explained that the three-round format felt like a “sprint,” requiring players to maximize their performance in each round, with a single mistake potentially costing significant ground. In contrast, the four-day format allows for more flexibility, reducing the pressure of each round. “Now with it being four days, that doesn't matter as much. It's just a different sort of mindset for a lot of people,” he said. Despite the format change, DeChambeau still approaches LIV events with the same intensity, crediting the 54-hole structure for his success in major championships.#jon_rahm #bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #lee_westwood #sentosa_gc

Equipment changes for Aramco LIV Golf Singapore LIV Golf players face their most demanding test yet at the Sentosa Golf Club during the Aramco LIV Golf Singapore event. The course is known for its challenging layout, requiring precision and adaptability from competitors. This week, 51 equipment adjustments are expected, bringing the total number of changes recorded this year to 351. The following highlights key modifications across various categories. In the wedges category, players are switching from PING S159 models to Bettinardi HLX 5.0 Forged for both 50° and 56° wedges. The 50° wedge is also bent to 49°, while the 56° is adjusted to 54°, aiming to enhance spin control on the course’s difficult greens. This change is particularly significant for the Crushers GC captain, who will need to refine his short-game approach on Sentosa’s tricky surfaces. For the 4- and 5-iron clubs, Callaway X Forged is being replaced with Titleist T250. This shift is part of a broader strategy to improve mid-bag performance, offering greater control and precision on the strategic Serapong layout. Another iron update sees PING i230 replaced by PING i240, marking a return to a familiar setup for the Majesticks Golf Club co-captain following his recovery from an injury. This move aligns with his recent top-20 finish in Hong Kong. Wedge adjustments also include a switch from Callaway Opus to Callaway SP, designed to generate additional spin. This change complements the player’s all-Callaway woods and irons setup, enhancing short-game versatility. Meanwhile, the driver is upgraded from PING G430 to G440 after a broken head during the pro-am event, a reactive decision to improve stability off the tee. Putter changes are notable, with Scotty Cameron T 9.5 (Broomstick) replaced by Callaway Odyssey Jailbird Mini CH AI-Dual.#aramco #liv_golf #sentosa_golf_club #crushers_gc #majesticks_golf_club

Bryson DeChambeau Remains In LIV Golf Singapore Contention Despite Huge Wedge Change Bryson DeChambeau continues to make significant adjustments to his equipment as he competes in the LIV Golf Singapore event, with a notable switch to Bettinardi wedges marking his latest move. The two-time U.S. Open champion, who trails co-leaders Joaquin Niemann and Lee Westwood by one shot heading into the final round, has opted for the Bettinardi HLX 5.0 Forged wedges, a decision reported by Matt Vincenzi, a senior reporter for LIV Golf. The change involves specific modifications to the wedge degrees, with the 50-degree model bent one degree less and the 56-degree wedge bent two degrees less. This adjustment aims to enhance spin control, a critical factor in softer conditions, which DeChambeau has struggled with during recent tournaments. Speaking after his opening round in Singapore, DeChambeau expressed confidence in the new setup, noting that the wedges felt “great” during practice and provided better performance through the turf from the fairway. He emphasized his trust in the new bounce configuration, hoping it would offer an advantage in challenging weather conditions. DeChambeau’s equipment changes are not uncommon, as he frequently experiments with gear to optimize his game. This latest shift comes amid his efforts to rebound from a disappointing finish at Augusta National, where he finished tied for fifth in 2025. The decision to switch to Bettinardi wedges also reflects his ongoing collaboration with the brand, which is best known for its putters but has expanded into wedge designs. The HLX 5.0 model, praised for its high-end production and versatility, features two grind options and pronounced cut grooves to maximize spin performance across varying conditions. Golf Monthly’s Sam De’Ath highlighted the HLX 5.#bryson_dechambeau #liv_golf #bettinardi #joaquin_niemann #lee_westwood

Jon Rahm’s Self-Inflicted Quandary Jon Rahm’s complaints about his treatment in golf’s competitive landscape have become so routine that they border on absurdity. The Spanish star, who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf in 2024, continues to frame himself as a victim of systemic unfairness, despite the clear consequences of his own decisions. His latest grievances center on the Official World Golf Ranking’s recent decision to award points to top finishers in LIV tournaments, a move Rahm claims undermines the fairness of the system. “It seems like the rules that have been in place aren’t really applied to us,” he said, despite the fact that LIV operates under a separate structure from the PGA Tour and European Tour. Rahm’s frustration extends to the major championships, where he has repeatedly called for guaranteed spots for LIV players. Last month, he suggested that 10 to 15 LIV members should be included in the fields, arguing that the current system is unjust. This stance, however, ignores the reality that LIV’s existence is a direct result of its own rules and financial model, which the PGA Tour and European Tour have long opposed. The DP World Tour, which represents the European circuit, recently reached a deal with LIV members to resolve disciplinary issues, requiring them to play six events on the European schedule. Four of those appearances would be chosen by the players, while two would be dictated by the tour. Rahm, however, refused to accept the terms, calling the agreement a form of extortion. Rahm’s refusal to comply with the DP World Tour’s conditions highlights a deeper issue: his insistence on maintaining control over his schedule, even as he operates under a tour that explicitly dictates where he must play.#pga_tour #jon_rahm #liv_golf #ryder_cup #dp_world_tour

Jon Rahm Accuses DP World Tour of 'Extorting' LIV Golf Players with Six-Tournament Mandate Two-time major winner and LIV Golf star Jon Rahm has criticized the DP World Tour for imposing what he calls an unfair six-tournament participation requirement on players, accusing the European sports organization of "extorting" its members. The dispute centers on new contractual terms that demand players commit to a minimum of six events, with specific tournaments dictated by the tour, a condition Rahm claims undermines player autonomy. Rahm, who has been a dual member of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour throughout his career, argued that the current demands are unnecessary and politically motivated. He stated that he has never been required to submit a release to play on either tour before joining LIV Golf, which has been recognized in the world rankings as part of the global golf ecosystem. "I’ve always been a dual member. Never once have I been asked for a release to play either one of those tours," he said, emphasizing that the new rules feel like an attempt to exploit players for financial and competitive gain. The DP World Tour recently reached an agreement with eight LIV Golf players, allowing them to continue competing on the rival tour without facing additional fines for overlapping events. However, Rahm was not among those eight, and he has refused to comply with the updated terms. "I don’t like the conditions. They’re asking me to play a minimum of six events, and they dictate where two of those have to be," he said, adding that the situation feels like a power play by the tour to control players’ schedules and penalize them for their choices. Rahm also criticized the tour for fining players while simultaneously benefiting from their participation in high-profile events.#jon_rahm #liv_golf #ryder_cup #dp_world_tour #arbitration_panel

Rory McIlroy calls Jon Rahm's refusal to accept the DP World Tour's deal to avoid future fines "a shame," emphasizing that the Ryder Cup is a team event and not centered on any single player. McIlroy expressed frustration that Rahm, the only LIV Golf player to reject the terms, might be excluded from the Ryder Cup team. The deal, which requires LIV Golf players to pay past fines, drop appeals, and add two tournaments to their DP World Tour membership, has been accepted by most players, including Tyrrell Hatton and seven others. Rahm criticized the DP World Tour for "extorting" players by forcing them to play additional events, arguing that the terms are unfair. He stated he would have signed the agreement if it had only required paying fines and dropping appeals, but the added tournaments were unacceptable. McIlroy, however, defended the deal as "generous" and "much softer" than the conditions imposed on Brooks Koepka when he returned to the PGA Tour. Koepka faced significant penalties, including a $5 million charity donation and restrictions on equity shares and bonus money. McIlroy highlighted the necessity of DP World Tour membership for Ryder Cup eligibility, noting that players must comply with the tour's rules, including facing fines if they don't secure releases to play LIV events. He acknowledged the tour's right to protect its interests as a business and members organization, stating that the deal was "pretty generous" and that eight of nine players likely saw it that way. He reiterated that Rahm's stance is a personal choice but questioned the value of his position. The DP World Tour's influence over tournament schedules has also drawn scrutiny.#rory_mcilroy #jon_rahm #liv_golf #dp_world_tour #ryder_cup