LIV Golf postpones New Orleans event as state seeks return of $1.2m incentive funds | LIV Golf Series
The LIV Golf event scheduled to be played in Louisiana in June has been postponed. The postponement comes less than two weeks after LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil said the breakaway tour’s 2026 season would go ahead as planned following reports the series was at risk of losing funding.
Tuesday’s announcement comes a day after sources with knowledge of LIV Golf’s operations said the event could be postponed due to concerns the FIFA World Cup would affect attendance and viewership, while issues such as high temperatures and course conditions were also factors.
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said in a joint statement that the state has already paid $3.2 million under its contract with LIV Golf, $2 million of which was invested in upgrading the Bayou Oaks at City Park course, which was scheduled to host the June 25-28 event.
They also said the Saudi-funded tour should return the remaining $1.2 million in state incentive funds. “We appreciate LIV’s good faith efforts and look forward to continuing our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” Landry and Bourgeois said.
According to the release, Bourgeois spoke with O’Neil last Friday and was informed that the organization was looking to postpone the New Orleans tournament in order to explore a potential event in the fall.
LIV Golf said it was a strategic decision to consider moving the event to later in the year. “This change allows us to avoid peak summer heat and the busy global sporting calendar while ensuring the course is in the championship conditions our fans and players have come to expect,” LIV Golf said.
“We are grateful for Louisiana State’s continued partnership and flexibility as we work together to deliver a world-class debut this fall. Our team is focused on maintaining the strong momentum for the 2026 season and we look forward to sharing finalized dates in the near future.”
