LIV Golf is a professional men's golf tour founded in 2022. Its name derives from the Roman numeral for 54, representing the number of holes played in its tournaments, a unique feature distinguishing it from traditional 72-hole events. The tour debuted with the LIV Golf Invitational Series, held at the Centurion Club in the UK. It transitioned to the LIV Golf League format in 2023.
2008: Dustin Johnson's PGA Tour Earnings
Dustin Johnson had earned $74 million from the PGA Tour since 2008.
2019: Premier Golf League Announced
The framework for a new golf tour, the Premier Golf League, was made public in 2019.
2020: Saudi Investors Fund New Golf Entity
In 2020, a new golf entity funded by Golf Saudi was established, leading to the creation of the "Super Golf League".
2020: PGA Tour and European Tour Form Strategic Alliance
In 2020, the PGA European Tour and the PGA Tour announced a "strategic alliance".
October 2021: LIV Golf Investments Launches
LIV Golf Investments was formally launched in October 2021 with Greg Norman as CEO.
2021: Greg Norman Denies Sportswashing Allegations
In 2021, Greg Norman denied claims that he was being used for sportswashing purposes.
March 2022: LIV Golf Announces Inaugural Tournament Schedule
In March 2022, Greg Norman revealed the initial schedule for LIV Golf, comprising eight tournaments with a total prize purse of $255 million. This groundbreaking format featured 54-hole, no-cut events with 48 players divided into 12 four-man teams. Shotgun starts added a unique twist, and the first seven events boasted a $20 million purse, with an additional $5 million allocated to the top three teams. The season culminated in a team championship, offering $30 million to the leading three players and a substantial $50 million in team prizes.
May 2022: Greg Norman Defends Saudi Involvement
Greg Norman defended the Saudi Crown Prince's involvement with Jamal Khashoggi's murder in May 2022, drawing criticism.
May 2022: James Piot Turns Professional
James Piot, the reigning U.S. Amateur champion, turned professional in May 2022 and opted to play in the first LIV Golf tournament.
June 2022: First LIV Golf Invitational Series Event
The first LIV Golf Invitational Series event took place in June 2022 at the Centurion Club near St Albans in Hertfordshire, UK.
June 2022: First LIV Golf Event Field Announced
The field for the inaugural LIV Golf event at the Centurion Club was revealed in June 2022, featuring notable players like Dustin Johnson and Sergio García.
June 2022: LIV Golf League Format Announced
Reports surfaced in June 2022 that LIV Golf would transition to a league format the following year.
June 2022: LIV Golf Signs Broadcasting Deal with DAZN
LIV Golf signed a global broadcasting agreement with DAZN in June 2022.
June 2022: 9/11 Families Thank PGA Tour Loyalists
In June 2022, a group of 9/11 survivors penned an open letter expressing gratitude to golfers who remained loyal to the PGA Tour, choosing not to join LIV Golf, and praising their stance against Saudi Arabia's involvement in the sport.
June 2022: PGA and European Tours Strengthen Alliance
In June 2022, the PGA and European tours reinforced their partnership, with the PGA Tour increasing its stake in European Tour Productions, promising enhanced prize money for the European Tour, and offering PGA Tour cards to top-ranked DP World Tour players.
June 2022: PGA Tour Announces Sanctions for LIV Golf Participants
In June 2022, the PGA Tour declared that its members who participated in LIV Golf events without permission would face penalties, including fines, suspensions, or bans, effectively barring them from PGA Tour events and the Presidents Cup.
June 2022: European Tour Imposes Sanctions, Removes Stenson as Ryder Cup Captain
In June 2022, the European Tour announced fines and suspensions for LIV Golf participants, impacting their involvement in PGA Tour co-sanctioned events, leading to legal challenges from players. The Tour also stripped Henrik Stenson of his Ryder Cup captaincy due to his association with LIV Golf.
June 2022: Tiger Woods Declines LIV Golf Offer
In June 2022, it was reported that Tiger Woods had declined a lucrative offer to join LIV Golf.
July 2022: LIV Golf Applies for Official World Golf Ranking
LIV Golf submitted an application for inclusion in the Official World Golf Ranking in July 2022.
July 2022: 9/11 Families Condemn Trump's LIV Golf Involvement
In July 2022, a group of 9/11 victims' families criticized former President Trump for hosting a LIV Golf tournament at his Bedminster golf course, pointing out his previous accusations against Saudi Arabia's role in the 9/11 attacks.
July 2022: Tiger Woods Criticizes LIV Golf Participants
In July 2022, Tiger Woods expressed his disapproval of golfers joining LIV Golf, arguing that they were turning their backs on the PGA Tour's legacy and opportunities.
July 2022: Promotion and Relegation System Announced
Greg Norman announced the implementation of a promotion and relegation system for LIV Golf in July 2022.
August 2022: LIV Golf and Players File Antitrust Lawsuit Against PGA Tour
In August 2022, LIV Golf and several of its players initiated an antitrust lawsuit against the PGA Tour, alleging anti-competitive practices, while the PGA Tour countersued, claiming LIV Golf encouraged players to violate existing contracts, leading to a legal battle set for trial in January 2024.
September 2022: PGA Tour Excludes LIV Golf Players from Co-Sanctioned Events
In September 2022, the PGA Tour informed Japan Golf Tour members that LIV Golf players, even those not part of the PGA Tour, would be barred from co-sanctioned events, including the Zozo Championship, a move that reportedly influenced Japanese players' decisions regarding LIV Golf participation.
October 2022: LIV Golf Forms Alliance with MENA Tour
In October 2022, LIV Golf established a "strategic alliance" with the MENA Tour.
2022: LIV Golf Continues Recruitment
Following the 2022 season, LIV Golf continued to attract new players to its league.
January 2023: LIV Golf Announces 2023 Season Schedule and Format
In January 2023, LIV Golf unveiled its schedule for the second season, now rebranded as the LIV Golf League. The season included 14 no-cut, 54-hole tournaments held at various locations, introducing new venues in the U.S., Mexico, Singapore, and Australia. Talor Gooch emerged as the individual champion, while Crushers GC secured victory in the team championship.
January 2023: LIV Golf Signs U.S. Broadcasting Deal with The CW
In January 2023, LIV Golf secured its first national broadcasting deal in the United States with The CW.
March 2023: LIV Miami Nightclub Challenges LIV Golf Trademark
In March 2023, LIV Miami, a renowned nightclub established in 2008, filed a legal challenge against LIV Golf's attempt to register a U.S. trademark. LIV Miami argued that the similarity between their names and the shared association with entertainment and hospitality services could cause brand confusion and dilute its well-established brand identity.
June 2023: LIV Golf, PGA Tour, and European Tour Announce Merger
In June 2023, LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and PGA European Tour surprised the golfing world by announcing a merger, creating a new for-profit entity backed by the Public Investment Fund. The move aimed to unify golf globally, promising benefits for all stakeholders and resolving ongoing litigation, but sparked controversy among some PGA Tour players.
December 2023: Announcement of New Individual Championship Details Pending
As of 11 December 2023, details about the format of the new individual championship for the 2024 LIV Golf season have not been released. Newcomers for this season include PGA Tour winner Tyrell Hatton and two-time major champion Jon Rahm.
2023: LIV Golf Invitational Series becomes the LIV Golf League
In 2023, the LIV Golf Invitational Series transitioned to the LIV Golf League.
2023: Top Ten Career Money Leaders Announcement
After the 2023 season, the top ten career money leaders on the LIV Golf tour were announced, highlighting the financial success of the top players.
January 31, 2024: PGA Tour Announces Investment in PGA Tour Enterprises
On January 31, 2024, the PGA Tour unveiled a significant investment in its for-profit arm, PGA Tour Enterprises, by a consortium of U.S. sports team owners backed by Fenway Sports Group. This strategic move involved an initial payment of $1.5 billion, with a second $1.5 billion contingent upon the resolution of negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund. Notably, active players would have the opportunity to acquire equity in PGA Tour Enterprises.
February 2024: Start of 2024 LIV Golf Season
The 2024 LIV Golf season began in February 2024. This season features 14 no cut 54-hole tournaments, with new locations including West Virginia, Nashville, Las Vegas, Houston, and Hong Kong. Notably, a new individual championship will be introduced at the end of the season.
March 2024: LIV Golf Ends Pursuit of World Ranking Points
Greg Norman informed players in March 2024 that LIV Golf would no longer seek world ranking points.