LIV Golf announced its 2026 Promotions event will take place in North America, specifically in the United States. Previously held in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, this is a major change for LIV Golf. But is it a step in the right direction and what does that mean for the PGA Tour?
When held in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, players with PGA Tour status could compete in the the LIV Golf Promotions event. They simply had to follow the proper steps and seek a release from the PGA Tour. After the announcement that the event will take place at Florida’s Black Diamond Ranch, the Tour declared it unauthorized. The Tour’s regulations state that players will not be granted conflicting events or media releases for tournaments staged in North America. Due to this, members of the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, and PGA Tour Americas will face disciplinary action if they compete. Included in PGA Tour regulations is a clause that states players without status may be subject to a one-year ban from playing in PGA Tour events if they compete.
LIV Golf Promotions Event
Back during the first few editions of the LIV Golf promotion, three membership spots were up for grabs. However, more recently, as in last year, only one spot was available. The limited opportunities combined with expensive travel, and potentially getting on the bad side of the PGA Tour, it is understandable why many professionals opted out of LIV promotion events. This year, LIV Golf made the offer a little more enticing. By relocating to North America and offering two spots on the 2026 LIV circuit, the event is more accessible to American-based golfers.
Scheduled to begin January 8th through the 11th at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida, this event may encourage American golfers without full status to give LIV a shot. The no-cuts event is expected to grow this year. LIV Golf is offering a $1.5 million purse with $200,000 prize for the winner. Alongside two spots on the LIV Circuit, the top 10 finishers receive exemption for the Asian Tour’s International Series.
In a recent press release, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil stated,
“LIV Golf continues to expand pathways for players around the world to qualify into the first truly global golf league. As fan interest in LIV Golf continues to increase and the opportunity to compete across the U.S., Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East against some of the biggest names in golf grows, it’s only natural that we broaden access for talented, ambitious players to earn their way into the league.”
Partnership Talks
While there were talks of a partnership between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s financial backers, the Public Investment Fund, these conversations have all but stopped. The PGA remains a dominant force. While LIV Golf is popular, it doesn’t receive nearly the viewers that the PGA Tour does. Bringing LIV Golf to U.S. soil, not only for their Promotions event but for other tournaments such as the June 2026 New Orleans event, seems like another way for LIV to push back on the PGA’s stronghold over the golf world.
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