Saudi-backed LIV Tour looks at staging national opens after plug on talent drain | Golf
Tournaments, as opposed to players, could become the next key area in elite golf’s power struggle, with the Saudi-backed LIV Tour exploring hosting national opens. Such an approach is likely to cause concern in the corridors of power of the formerly European DP World Tour given the number of such events already on its schedule.
As the drain of elite player talent from traditional circuits to the LIV has stopped, or reversed, the concept of increased competition for premier tournament markets is intriguing.
LIV executives have rightly reflected positively on competitions held outside the United States, primarily in Australia and South Africa. They now advocate an increasingly international calendar. Mexico, Hong Kong and Singapore also feature in LIV’s 2026 tournament roster. However, none of these competitions have the historic appeal of a national open. The DP World Tour has seen success with these events, not only in Europe but also in China, India and Australia.
A challenge to their services – and those of sponsors – would in theory strengthen the bond between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour. These organizations remain in discussions aimed at extending a strategic alliance that includes a break clause at the end of 2027. The discussions are considered positive, although the PGA Tour wants to reduce the annual support it provides for the DP World Tour awards funds. The threat level provided by LIV is relevant to these negotiations. The same goes for the global nature of the DP World Tour.
While the PGA Tour has benefited from the return of Brooks Koepka and soon LIV’s Patrick Reed, the Saudi Public Investment Fund has yet to appear to significantly scale back its golf project.
Jon Rahm, who remains on the LIV tour, is scheduled to speak to the media at Augusta National Tuesday morning. The Spaniard finds himself barred from the European Ryder Cup scene after dropping his appeal over fines for playing on LIV.
Rahm also refusing for the moment to settle the penalties, he finds himself in a bad position with the DP World Tour. Rahm’s sentiment on this issue will likely dominate his pre-Masters press conference.
