This year, LIV Golf got a new addition to its schedule for a summer event. That event was the New Orleans event, originally set for June 25-28. Another event set in an iconic city to go with the other American events. However, it was decided that LIV New Orleans will be postponed until fall.
Why Is LIV Golf Postponing The Event?
There are a couple of reasons behind this postponement. The date puts it right in the middle of summer in the American South. A major concern, of course, is the heat creating a wet bulb effect and sending attendees and players into the hospital with heat stroke. There is also the possibility of viewership conflict, as it is the same weekend as the World Cup. Given the chance between that and a regular LIV event, most viewers will go with the World Cup. Another concern that has taken the spotlight is LIV Golf trying to restructure its business model. This one ties directly into the PIF withdrawing its support from the league, as the Saudi government has bigger financial concerns at the moment. The event is now being set for a smaller field with a different format.
New Orleans And The Switch
New Orleans has already invested a lot in the LIV event. The city reportedly spent $2 million on course improvements alone, and was planning another $5 million. The city was getting ready for big things to come with this event. New Orleans just held the Zurich Classic for the PGA and was ready for LIV to bring in similar numbers as that tournament. When LIV Golf decided to postpone, the Louisiana governor, Jeff Landry, and the Economic Development Secretary, Susan Bourgeois, put out a joint statement on the issue. It was mostly explaining what was happening as they thanked the league for being open and honest. The statement went on to say the following.
“We appreciate LIV’s good-faith efforts and look forward to maintaining our partnership as we continue conversations around an event later this year,” the joint statement said. “We are grateful for the work of our local partners and the collaboration that supported this effort. Louisiana continues to move forward with strong momentum, and we remain focused on opportunities that deliver value for our communities.”
In the same statement, it was announced that LIV would be reimbursing $1.2 million of the $2 million as a way to make up for the sudden changes.
LIV Golf In 2026
The 2026 season marks some massive changes for LIV Golf. At first, things were looking positive for the league, as after the switch to a 72-hole format, it was finally recognized by the OWGR. Even if only a partial recognition, the players still made quick use of that. Then, after the war broke out in Iran, the league found itself in the position of having players stranded and now seeing its funding cut. That’s leaving the league stuck between a rock and a hard place. Now the league has to reorient its schedule as the business changes are forcing it to adapt.
Main Photo Credit: © Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
