LIV Golf’s New Orleans event has been postponed, raising more questions about the future of the rebel league while some of its players are looking to return to rival tours.
The tournament was scheduled to take place at Bayou Oaks at City Park, Louisiana, between June 25 and 28,but officials are now exploring a date later this year.
A statement by LIV Golf said part of the reason for moving the event was because of the weather and clashes with other major events in the United States, such as the Fifa World Cup.
“In co-ordination with the Governor of Louisiana and Louisiana Economic Development, we have made the strategic decision to explore moving LIV Golf Louisiana to a new window later this fall,” the statement said.
“This shift allows us to avoid the peak summer heat and the crowded global sports calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship condition our fans and players expect.”
The state of Louisiana had paid LIV Golf US$3.2 million ($5.5m) as part of its contract, with US$2m going into upgrading the course, but the tour is now expected to pay back the remaining US$1.2m because of the postponement.
The upcoming LIV Golf event in Louisiana has been postponed. Photo / Photosport
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neill attempted to reassure players and staff earlier this month that the tour was fully funded and the season would continue as planned.
However, some players have looked to return to the DP World Tour, with Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and Elvis Smylie all having agreed to pay existing fines earlier this year, which gave them conditional releases to play in LIV tournaments, and can therefore return straight away.
Patrick Reed has already gone back to the DP World Tour and its chief executive, Guy Kinnings, told Today’s Golfer players attending and supporting events helps the tour.
“We will wait and see how things evolve, but we’re listening to players and agents,” Kinnings said.
“For sure, I think there’s opportunity for us to continue to grow the strength of the tour, which is my only job really.”
The next LIV Golf event will take place at Trump National DC from May 7 to 10, with Kiwi golfers Danny Lee and Ben Campbell expected to take part.
