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Sergio Garcia's outburst at this year's Masters may have played a significant role in the decision to cut funding for LIV Golf. According to a report from the Financial Times, the incident embarrassed Yasir Al-Rumayyan, head of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), leading to the decision to withdraw financial support from the tour.
During the final round at Augusta National, Garcia, a former Masters champion, was penalized for his behavior after repeatedly slamming his driver into the tee box and breaking it against a cooler. This marked the first time a player received a code of conduct warning at the prestigious tournament. Reports suggest that this incident contributed to the PIF's decision to reassess its priorities, ultimately leading to the withdrawal of billions of dollars in funding.
Despite the initial commitment to support LIV Golf until 2032, the decision to pull funding was made shortly after the Masters. The league, which aimed to rival the PGA Tour, now faces an uncertain future. While new investors have been approached, the league's survival may depend on an imminent bankruptcy filing and negotiations with current players.
The withdrawal of PIF's support has sparked a series of challenges for LIV Golf, including potential lawsuits and the cancellation of the season finale. As the league searches for stability, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact its long-term viability.