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With LIV Golf on the brink of extinction, what will be its legacy?
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will end its financial support for LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, leaving its long-term future in the balance. LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam said LIV Golf brought some positives to the sport.
“I mean, overall, I think it had some positives, but overall I think it didn’t change too much,” Sorenstam told Pak Gazette Digital in a recent interview.
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Annika Sorenstam watches from the seventh green during the first round of the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, on January 29, 2026. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
“This certainly disrupted the game of golf,” Sorenstam added with a laugh. “I think that’s why we’re seeing the changes on the PGA Tour.”
The PGA Tour recently announced sweeping changes to its format, and Sorenstam attributed it to LIV Golf.
“I mean, apparently they don’t see that what they had before LIV was sustainable, and therefore a lot of things have changed. The purses have increased, which is obviously great for the players.”
The golf legend said he loved the money coming into the sport, but he didn’t believe LIV Golf was set up for long-term success with its business model.
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Annika Sorenstam tees off on the second hole during the PNC Championship at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, on December 22, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Image Images)
“I think in some ways, it’s always easy to say from the outside, but I don’t think anyone thought it was a great business model. There was a lot of money invested in the sport, which I appreciate, but it didn’t seem like there was a big investment. So I think it was difficult to just maintain it,” Sorenstam told Pak Gazette Digital.
“It’s very interesting to see how it plays out. This year will certainly be eye-opening. But we’re already seeing players jump ship and there.”
Sorenstam will play in the American Century Championship July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.
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Augusta National Golf Club members Annika Sorenstam and Condoleezza Rice watch the action during the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 5, 2026. (Kyle Terada/Image Images)
She is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour tournaments, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation.
“We try to empower and advance young women through the game of golf, but also in life, with different life skills, and it’s been really rewarding and fulfilling to see how far women’s golf has come and how many of these young women are pursuing their dreams. It’s been a lot of fun and just watching the difference we’re making in these young women’s lives,” Sorenstam said.
With the Stableford scoring format, Sorenstam talked about the need to be more aggressive and chase more birdies and eagles. The tournament will air on NBC and Peacock.
