By Fatma Younis
South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas has declared that LIV Golf’s demise is imminent, suggesting the breakaway circuit has reached a “game, set and match” moment. Malinauskas expressed doubt that a LIV competition scheduled for March at Adelaide’s Kooyonga Golf Club will proceed, aligning with reports that financial backer BC Partners Credit has withdrawn from a deal worth more than £200 million.
Funding Collapse and Player Exodus
The Financial Times reported that BC Partners Credit, lined up as potential backers after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew, pulled out due to an exodus of star players. LIV Golf has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, effectively cancelling playing contracts. Three-time champion Jon Rahm has departed, while Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Tyrrell Hatton, Louis Oosthuizen and Lee Westwood are among those seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Government Position Confirmed
Malinauskas told ABC Adelaide that the South Australian government’s position — that the event cannot proceed without committed players — has been consistent. He said he reached out to LIV Golf for confirmation and believes the tournament will not happen next year based on all available information.
McIlroy Welcomes Reset
World number two Rory McIlroy, a long-time critic of LIV Golf, offered a scathing assessment at a press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship. He said the circuit created a false economy in men’s professional golf and predicted a reset toward more sustainable operations. McIlroy noted that while some investments benefited the Asian Tour temporarily, the tour was ultimately left “high and dry” before partnering with the PGA Tour and European Tour.
