Time looks like it is running out for LIV Golf so if it is your thing you might want to head along to the JCB, which will host the tour for the third time. And they are promising a party in the countryside! DJs on the green, boogies beneath the trees and a champion field of golfers, led by hometown heroes Majesticks Golf Club. And they wonder why it never really captured the imagination of golf fans.
The usual suspects will all be in attendance, including Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, Sergio Garcia, David Puig, Tyrrell Hatton, Ben An and Talor Gooch. And, after his heroics at Royal Birkdale, there will be huge interest in the performance of Lucas Herbert. DeChambeau, who grabbed his share of the headlines at Birkdale, is also certain to attract much attention once again.
Image Credit: LIV Golf
In May, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, confirmed it would no longer fund LIV Golf after 2026, five years into the league’s timeline. LIV CEO Scott O’Neil has had to rethink operations and is seeking investment between $250 million to $300 million.
Rahm has suggested that he might be prepared to put some of his own money into the league but fellow golfer Carlos Ortiz recently said he is not optimistic about the future.
Ortiz, 35, whose lone PGA Tour win came in the 2020 Vivant Houston Open, has won 10 times around the world on four different tours. He’s earned a reported $34 million from LIV despite only having one victory.
He said: “It’s looking a little bit tough, hopefully there’s a way forward. I honestly don’t know all the situation, but it’s not looking great, obviously, as we all know. That’s a shame, I’ve really enjoyed my time playing all around the world and it’s been awesome playing with my team [Torque GC].
“We’ll see what happens, but whatever happens, I’m sure I’ll find a place to play and, for me, it’s just about playing golf. If I can start coming to places like this and seeing new places, then it will be great. For me, whatever happens is totally fine.”
There is not the slightest doubt in my mind that LIV has harmed the form of players such as DeChambeau, Niemann and Rahm and I hope to see them following the example of the likes of Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed and returning to the mainstream in 2027.
It is clear that O’Neill faces a massive uphill battle if he is to tie up the sort of financial package that would secure LIV’s future.
There is huge uncertainty ahead. Rahm has paid his outstanding fines and can now compete on the DP World Tour. But would he, DeChambeau and Niemann be prepared to pay massive fines in order to return to the PGA Tour? DeChambeau has spoken about further developing his YouTube profile.
Image Credit: LIV Golf
Youngsters such as Puig have made their money with LIV. He will surely be back playing a full DP World Tour schedule in 2027 and will hope that will provide him with a path to the PGA Tour.
Twelve months ago Niemann continued his stellar season with a commanding wire-to-wire victory at LIV Golf UK by JCB, marking his fifth win of the 2025 season and seventh LIV Golf win overall, both LIV Golf records. The Chilean posted rounds of 65, 63 and 68, finishing at 17 under, three shots ahead of his closest challenger.
Bubba Watson made a strong charge on the back nine. The RangeGoats GC captain was scorching hot, going birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie on holes nine to 14. The remarkable run was vintage Watson, and the 44-year-old cut the deficit to two shots with four holes to play.
A birdie for Niemann on the 15th hole would stretch the lead back to three, but Watson made things interesting for a short time. He finished the week at 14 under, good for solo second place and his best-ever LIV Golf finish.
Caleb Surratt, 21, continued his rapid ascension as one of the league's brightest young players. He led the way for Legion XIII's come-from-behind team victory on Sunday when he recorded rounds of 67,68 and 65 to finish at 13 under and in third place, the best LIV Golf finish of his career.
Tournament Form Guide & Picks
The Course
The JCB course is a par 72 that measures 7,381 yards. Designed by Robert Hiseman, it features a lot of water, trees and thick rough and calls for accuracy from the tee.
Prize Money
The winner collects $4m
How to Watch
Thursday, July 23-Sunday, July 26, TNT Sports 2, 12.30pm
Five to Follow
Bryson DeChambeau. Never a dull moment
Tyrrell Hatton. Fabulous wedge player
Jon Rahm. Wonderful ball striker
Joaquin Niemann. Serial winner
Tom McKibbin. Gifted youngster
To win:
Bryson DeChambeau. Who else?
Each way:
Tyrrell Hatton. Home favourite
Each way:
Jon Rahm. Will be there or thereabouts
