LIV Golf has always generated attention, but a specific figure has recently been making waves.
6 billion dollars.
This was the amount that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund planned to invest in the Rebel Golf League since its launch in 2021, before the league officially shut down this week.
The endeavor began with significant financial incentives—over $1.3 billion was reportedly offered to attract top players to compete in team-focused, 54-hole tournaments.
- Jon Rahm, from Spain, allegedly received $300 million for leaving the PGA Tour.
- Phil Mickelson, who had previously criticized Saudi Arabia, is estimated to have accepted around $200 million to join LIV.
- Brooks Koepka secured a contract in the ballpark of $100 million before he made a move back to the PGA Tour.
- Bryson DeChambeau, a key player for LIV, is currently in the final year of a $100 million deal.
Winning at LIV was lucrative too; the prize pot started at $25 million in 2022, increasing to $30 million by 2026, with all players guaranteed cash.
First place typically earned over $4 million, while even the last position brought home $50,000.
By 2026, total prize money was projected to hit $1.59 billion, accumulating to over $3.2 billion for golfers within the four years.
- Rahm topped the charts with $92 million from 32 tournaments, plus lucrative bonuses if he leads the points in 2024 and 2025.
- Joaquin Niemann earned $72 million from 55 tournaments, including two $8 million payouts for securing second in points behind Rahm.
- Other top earners include Taylor Gooch ($68 million), Dustin Johnson ($64 million), Bryson DeChambeau ($58 million), and Cameron Smith ($51 million).
Even non-stars benefited; for instance, Pat Perez made $17.5 million from 34 events before leaving the league in 2024.
Tied for last in total earnings from the LIV Golf Tournament, Oliver Fisher and Rathanon Chanthananuwat each took home $136,000 from their single appearances.
However, LIV Golf reportedly lost $1.1 billion between 2022 and 2024, with estimates suggesting spending exceeded $100 million monthly, largely to cover prize payouts.
All these expenditures took a toll on LIV Golf’s financial backers in Saudi Arabia.
