Ian Poulter has sounded out a warning that if LIV Golf folds then the DP World Tour could be in big trouble.
With the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) confirming the withdrawal of funding at the end of the season, LIV Golf now has to find outside investment to continue operations.
Poulter says his worries stem for the heavy reliance the DP World Tour has on funding from the PGA Tour – and without LIV Golf around, officials from Ponte Vedra Beach may rethink their strategic alliance.
“I fear for them,” Poulter told The Telegraph. “Even though I resigned, I played for 23 straight years on the European Tour and do actually care about where I learnt my trade.
“I fear that they can’t afford for us [LIV] to go away. Because if we go away, it does not look very good for them.
“The PGA Tour has underpinned their prize funds and paid out in the last couple of years. We are talking hundreds of millions. Now if that stops… well, it’s not rocket science.”
Poulter says the PGA Tour now having outside investment from Strategic Sports Group and creating a for-profit entity could force some changes in the strategic alliance deal – which is up for renewal in 2027.
“The PGA Tour now has private equity and they want as much return as possible on their investment,” Poulter added.
“So with the European Tour costing all this money… again, it’s not rocket science.”
Poulter says teams crucial for LIV Golf 2.0
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Poulter believes a LIV Golf 2.0 could fit in alongside the PGA and DP World Tour in some form, even though changes will be needed, which could include a reduced schedule and prize money.
“I think there’s opportunity with potentially different models of how they could sit within the system of golf with franchise teams,” Poulter said at LIV Golf Virginia at Trump…
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