PIF Under Fire: Dustin Johnson and a dozen other LIV golfers are fiercely demanding “severance payments” from the Saudi Public Investment Fund after funding was cut off. The pros are furious because they relied on commitments and now want compensation for unfulfilled contractual agreements. This involves serious money and the future of LIV Golf.
Reports indicate this group's demands exceed $100 million – no small sum. Names like Bubba Watson and Thomas Detry are also on the list. Crucially: The PIF reportedly initially offered players only two cents per dollar as severance, a slap in the face that the golfers naturally rejected as completely inadequate.
LIV 2.0 on Shaky Ground
This entire situation severely threatens to torpedo LIV 2.0, which is planned for 2027 and is no longer to be supported by PIF, but by BC Partners Credit. Before golfers commit to the new model, they want absolute clarity. Rumors are swirling: Players like Tyrrell Hatton, Ian Poulter, and even Jon Rahm are reportedly already refusing to continue under the new conditions.
The Chickens Come Home to Roost
The frustration is understandable, especially given recent bankruptcy filings: LIV still paid seven executives $15.6 million in retention bonuses, including $6.375 million alone to CEO Scott O’Neil, while numerous other creditors and vendors were left empty-handed. Dustin Johnson collected almost $10.7 million in the relevant period, Bryson DeChambeau $13.9 million, and Bubba Watson and Cameron Smith approximately $2.5 million each. Now the ball is in PIF's court: Will they pay to save the enterprise, or will they leave the stars high and dry?
