Golf: the new investor withdraws, no relaunch for the Liv circuit

Rebel circuit LIV Golf's attempt to relaunch itself after filing for bankruptcy has failed following the withdrawal of its new lead investor, BC Partners, several newspapers reported. The private equity firm decided to withdraw after struggling to convince several key players to fully commit to the league's future.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) had invested around $5 billion in the tour from 2022, attracting various superstars, before abruptly withdrawing earlier this year - the league is now expected to see its remaining assets liquidated.

In recent weeks several former LIV stars, including Jon Rahm, have publicly announced their decision to withdraw from the new version of the tour. Bryson DeChambeau — the biggest name — has not publicly committed to returning. LIV's revival attempt was complicated after the DP World (European) Tour backtracked on its policy of allowing golfers to participate in events on both circuits. Bankruptcy documents have meanwhile revealed that LIV has debts estimated at between $500 million and $1 billion to at least 1,000 creditors, including top players.