A Saudi-backed professional men's golf tour with a high-profile, controversial footprint
Koivun has claimed the 3M Open with a record 25-under 259, finishing three strokes ahead of Scheffler. The 21-year-old, in his third pro start, preserved a bogey-free round to close out a dominant week at TPC Twin Cities, while Scheffler finishes as runner-up after a late surge.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund has withdrawn financial backing at the end of 2026, leaving LIV Golf seeking about $260 million to continue. CEOs and captains say Indianapolis is most likely to proceed, while Michigan is unlikely, as investors’ decisions determine LIV’s 2027 viability.
Jerry Kelly has won the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Gleneagles, finishing with a birdie to clinch victory; Stephen Gallacher shot 62 but finished behind, while Darren Fichardt and Cameron Percy were contending. Kelly secures an Open exemption and the $450,000 prize, praising Scottish fans and family presence.
Ryan Fox has won The Open at Royal Birkdale, finishing one stroke ahead of Cameron Young after an 11-foot birdie on the final hole. The 39-year-old New Zealander has become only the third Kiwi to win a major, delivering a decisive, low-stress finish and confirming his rise in the majors.
Liverpool's Mo Salah has been ruled out of the final weeks of the club season due to a hamstring tear, with officials confirming he will be fit for Egypt's World Cup group stage. Jurgen Klopp’s side are pushing for a Champions League place as they navigate his absence.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour are listening to players seeking to shift circuits, while LIV Golf faces financial turmoil and a potential wind-down. Returning pathways for ex-LIV members are under debate, with DP World Tour and PGA Tour weighing new eligibility rules amid antitrust scrutiny and ongoing restructuring efforts.
LIV Golf has announced a transition plan away from Saudi funding after the PIF ends its backing at the close of the 2026 season. A new independent board is leading a move to secure long‑term capital through diversified partners, while the tour maintains its schedule amid ongoing discussions with potential investors.
The president has reused social media to push conspiracy theories about former officials, attacked media coverage, and posted war‑themed AI images amid ongoing Iran tensions and a fragile ceasefire.
LIV Golf faces financial uncertainty as Saudi PIF funding is reported to be winding down after this season. Executives warn remaining 2026 events could be in flux, with Bedminster deemed most likely to proceed. The tour is actively seeking new investors while exploring ways to sustain its team-based format.
The Farms Golf Club has revoked Phil Mickelson’s membership after an employee reported nonconsensual and inappropriate contact. The club conducted an independent investigation and says the action is decisive. Mickelson has not commented beyond a statement that any misunderstanding has been cleared up as he attends to a private family health matter.
The PGA Tour has unveiled a two-track, merit-based system with a Championship Series and a Challenger Series. The plan, announced ahead of the Travelers Championship, introduces promotion and relegation, a match-play format for the Tour Championship, and multi-million dollar purses across both tracks. Official rollout is set for the 2028 season.
Emma Raducanu has withdrawn from Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament after a stress fracture was confirmed, ending her bid to compete this year. Several British players are in action, including Katie Boulter, Fran Jones, Harriet Dart, Alicia Dudeney, Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic, with wildcards and rising stars featured in the draw.
World Cup activities are intersecting with Wimbledon’s schedule as fans and players navigate overlapping knockout rounds; Wimbledon has reaffirmed it will not broadcast World Cup matches on site, while players face scheduling pressures and personal choices about balancing sport and football viewing.
The Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club has a star-studded field, including Rahm and six other LIV players, as DP World Tour and PGA Tour co-sanctioning shapes a reshape of the Rolex Series. The event is amid talks on a new two-tier PGA Tour schedule, with promises of exemptions and鈥? changes that could redefine national Opens.
Bryson DeChambeau has incurred a two-shot penalty for inadvertently improving the area of his intended backswing on the fifth hole at Royal Birkdale. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns share the Open lead after a record-tying second round of 62, while DeChambeau remains five under and potentially out of contention.
Michael Kim has shot a 59 in Minnesota, the 16th such round on the PGA Tour, after a four-birdie finish. He leads by three at the 3M Open. Other updates from Royal Birkdale include Cameron Young leading at nine under and Rory McIlroy struggling to find momentum.
Sam Burns has surged to a 10-under par lead after a blistering 65 in the Open’s 54-hole round, capitalizing on a chaotic week marked by Bryson DeChambeau’s controversial penalty and a record-tying scoring day at Royal Birkdale. Burns, who had planned to skip the Open because of his wife’s due date, credits his family’s support for giving him the focus to chase his first major.
The PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Asian Tour have formalised a multi-year alliance through 2029, with some events co-sanctioned again and pathways for Asian players to reach European and Challenge Tour events. The move follows LIV’s weakened position after Saudi funding shifts, and prompts reactions from players such as Rory McIlroy.