LIV's stars stuck in limbo as the 13 October deadline closes in

LIV Golf’s rescue plan depends on its players signing up to a new, player-owned league by 13 October. With less than a fortnight to go, several of its best-known players have not committed.

More than 20 LIV players are in the field at St Andrews for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship this week. One of them, Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open champion on the Old Course, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he needs a few more answers before deciding whether to join what the league calls LIV 2.0. “It’s hard to make a decision,” he said, when so much is still unknown.

Journalist Alan Shipnuck, as reported by Golfmagic on Tuesday, says Bryson DeChambeau is still undecided despite having helped to bring BC Partners to the table as the rescue investor. DeChambeau’s original contract has expired. Shipnuck also believes Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann are likely to leave, with Tyrrell Hatton a wildcard who might stay if the new league could offer DP World Tour and major access. He named Smith as the one player he considers definitely in, which Smith’s own words this week contradict. Neither the players nor LIV has confirmed any of these positions.

Golf Monthly reported that David Puig practised on the Old Course on Tuesday in a Titleist beanie and an unbranded jumper rather than his Fireballs GC kit, which LIV players are normally required to wear, even at other tours’ events. There is no confirmation that Puig has cut ties.

According to Golfmagic, the major exemption Smith earned at St Andrews in 2022 runs out at the end of 2027, he sits around 145th in the world and he has not won an individual LIV event in more than three years. In August, speaking at LIV’s New York event, he said the PGA TOUR is where players would want to be if LIV were no longer an option.

The DP World Tour has told LIV members it will go back to fining and suspending them for conflicting events from 2027, The Athletic reports, which affects anyone with Ryder Cup ambitions at Adare Manor next September.

LIV has been in Chapter 11 since 8 September. The case is back in court in New Jersey on 7 October, and 13 October is the deadline for signing enough players to the new terms, as we set out last week. Front Office Sports has reported that BC Partners’ proposed $300 million commitment is at risk if that milestone is missed.

Sources

• Golfmagic: Major champ criticises LIV Golf over lack of answers
• Golfmagic: Report: Bryson DeChambeau still undecided over LIV Golf future as critical deadline looms
• Golf Monthly: David Puig spotted wearing non-LIV Golf clothing at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
• GOLF.com: Major champ eyes PGA Tour return if LIV folds
• Golf Monthly: DP World Tour set to resume fines and sanctions for LIV Golf members
• Golf Channel: Asian Tour cancels Q-School, prepares for rebuilding year in 2027
• Front Office Sports: LIV players in spotlight before bankruptcy case returns to court Oct. 7
• LIV Golf: LIV Golf takes strategic action to secure its next era