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Elegant Traveller

What is LIV Golf? Your Questions Answered

schedule4 Minute Read

21-Jan-2026 Mark Martin

What is LIV Golf? Your Questions Answered

What is LIV Golf & how could it impact your future enjoyment of the sport? Find out with our quick guide which answers the most frequently asked questions...

Over the past few years, few sporting stories have generated as many headlines as LIV Golf. From record breaking prize money to high-profile player signings and a completely different tournament format, the tour has challenged long-standing traditions within professional golf. But what is the LIV Golf Tour, how does LIV Golf work, and why has it caused such intense debate across the sporting world?
This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about LIV Golf, helping golf fans and curious sports enthusiasts alike understand how it differs from established tours such as the PGA and why it is set to play a major role in shaping the future of the game.

What Is LIV Golf?

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LIV Golf is a professional golf tour launched in 2022 with the aim of modernising and globalising elite men's golf. The name "LIV" is derived from the Roman numeral for 54, which represents both the number of holes played across a LIV tournament and the score of 18 under par if a player birdies every hole in a traditional round. Unlike traditional tours that evolved gradually over decades, LIV Golf entered the sport fully formed, backed by unprecedented financial investment and a clear vision to offer a faster paced, entertainment focused alternative to existing professional golf tournaments. The tour features many of the world's most recognisable golfers and hosts events across international destinations, often at prestigious golf resort and championship venues.

LIV Golf vs PGA: What's the Difference?

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When comparing LIV Golf vs PGA, the most noticeable difference lies in format and philosophy. The PGA Tour has historically prioritised tradition, merit-based qualification and four-round tournaments with cuts. LIV Golf, by contrast, emphasises guaranteed participation, shorter events and a team-based structure. Prize money is another key distinction. LIV Golf offers significantly higher purses at each event, while PGA Tour earnings are more performance-dependent across a season. LIV Golf contracts often include guaranteed payments, whereas PGA players traditionally earn through prize winnings, sponsorships and performance incentives. Scheduling also differs. LIV Golf operates with a limited number of global events each year, while the PGA Tour runs an extensive calendar primarily based in the United States. For players and fans alike, the contrast between these two tours reflects a broader debate about tradition versus innovation within modern sport.

How Does LIV Golf Work?

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To understand how LIV Golf works, you must first understand its tournament structure. Each LIV Golf event is played over three rounds rather than the traditional four, with no cut. This means that every golfer competes for the full duration of the tournament, creating consistency for fans and broadcasters alike. Shotgun starts are another key feature. Instead of staggered tee times, all players begin their rounds simultaneously from different holes, ensuring that tournaments finish within a fixed timeframe. This approach is designed to enhance viewer engagement and make live coverage more convenient.

What Is the LIV Golf Controversy?

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Events typically feature 54 players competing individually while also representing teams. The golf's team element is one of LIV Golf's defining characteristics, introducing a franchise-style format that is more familiar to fans of other global sports. Team scores are calculated alongside individual leaderboards, allowing players to compete for both personal glory and collective success. The LIV Golf controversy stems largely from its financial backing and its impact on professional established structures. Critics initially raised concerns about the source of the tour's funding and questioned whether LIV Golf was attempting to disrupt the sport for commercial rather than competitive reasons. There has also been significant debate around player eligibility and loyalty, as golfers who joined LIV were, at various points, suspended from competing in PGA Tour events. This led to legal disputes, public disagreements and deep divisions within the golfing community. Supporters argue that LIV Golf has accelerated long-overdue change by increasing prize money, improving player conditions and introducing innovation. Critics counter that the tour challenges traditions and risks fragmenting the sport. Regardless of your perspective, the controversy has undeniably reshaped professional golf at the very highest level.

Who Owns LIV Golf?

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A common question surrounding the tour is who owns LIV Golf. The tour is owned and funded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF), one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds. The fund's involvement provides LIV Golf with substantial financial resources, enabling it to attract top talent, secure elite venues and invest heavily in production and global reach. The financial clout of the LIV Golf owners has played a central role in the tour's rapid growth and has also been a major factor in the ongoing debate surrounding LIV Golf's place within the sport. From a purely operational standpoint, the backing ensures financial stability and long-term planning that few new sports ventures can match. Other sporting entities to have received backing from PIF includes Newcastle United Football Club (which is now owned by PIF), Formula 1 (through the funding of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix) and the McLaren F1 team, with PIF having previously held a stake in the championship winning team.

How Much LIV Golf Prize Money Is Available?

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LIV Golf prize money has been one of the most talked-about aspects of the tour since its launch. Each event features a total purse significantly higher than most traditional golf tournaments, often exceeding $20 million. Winners receive substantial individual payouts, while team competitions add an additional layer of financial reward. In contrast, PGA prize money varies widely depending on the event, with the largest purses reserved for major championships and designated golf tournaments with historic value. While the PGA Tour has increased prize funds in response to the competition, LIV Golf still offers some of the highest guaranteed earnings in professional golf. For players, the difference lies not only in the size of the payouts but also in their structure. LIV Golf contracts often include guaranteed income, reducing financial risk and providing long-term security.

What Channel Is LIV Golf On?

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For viewers wondering what channel LIV Golf is on, broadcasting arrangements vary by region. LIV Golf has embraced digital platforms alongside traditional television, offering live coverage through streaming services and select broadcast partners worldwide. This approach reflects the tour's focus on accessibility and reaching a global audience across multiple devices. Broadcast details can change by season and country, but LIV Golf events are typically easy to access online, reinforcing the tour's commitment to modern viewing habits and international appeal. Here in the UK, viewers can watch LIV Golf tournaments for free on ITVX which provides live coverage of all LIV Golf events. This is accompanied by highlights packages on free to air channels ITV1 and ITV4.

What About the Future of LIV Golf?

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Whether viewed as a disruptor or a catalyst for progress, LIV Golf has permanently altered the professional golf landscape. By challenging long-standing norms around golf tournament formats, prize money distribution and player participation, the tour has forced the sport to evolve at an unprecedented pace. For travellers and golf enthusiasts exploring luxury destinations, LIV Golf's global calendar and resort-based venues offer a new way to experience elite competition in exceptional settings. As the conversation around LIV Golf continues, one thing remains clear: its impact on the game will be felt for many years to come.

You can be there to experience the most prestigious golf tournaments in person when you book a golf break with Elegant Sports. Our luxury travel specialists will use their first hand experience to create a tailor made package where you stay in the best hotels, dine in top restaurants and see the world's greatest golf players in action. Start planning your next sporting holiday today.
Mark Martin

Mark Martin

SEO Consultant

An experienced marketing professional who has been fortunate enough to work in the travel industry since 2010. Over this time I've developed an increasing thirst for travel, particularly to holiday destinations which allow me to indulge my love of motorsport.

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