LIV Jet Lag: Lucas Herbert Speaks Out – Not the Money, but the Travel Itinerary Drives Stars Away!
Lucas Herbert sets the record straight: It's not just the filthy lucre or family time that's deterring top golfers from LIV Golf 2.0, but a sheer logistical nightmare. The Australian, who was slated to play two LIV tournaments in 2026, has declined for the planned 2027 relaunch. A blunt statement that exposes the tour's Achilles' heel: the brutal travel burden.
Herbert speaks of an endless series of long-haul flights that mercilessly wear down body and mind. From Hong Kong to Singapore to South Africa, only to then embark on a tour from the USA to South Korea, Spain, and back to the USA – followed by the U.S. Open. This is where things got really tough, not because of the shots, but because of the extreme jet lag hell and lack of recovery. Those who can't cope with that see their season fall apart.
The Calendar Math Doesn't Work Out
For Herbert, it was clear: The main problem wasn't the flight time itself, but recovery. Constant time zone changes turn physical preparation into torture and make communication with family virtually impossible, even during free weeks. LIV had promised more family time, but eight time zones away is a tough nut to crack, even with a free calendar. Furthermore, Herbert doesn't consider the planned 10 events of LIV 2.0 sufficient to stay major-ready and build a competitive season. For him, 20 events per year was just the right amount.
Who's Jumping Ship?
While LIV Golf must re-establish its 2027 model following the end of PIF funding and a Chapter 11 filing with a $300 million financial package, several big names have already pulled the plug. Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Tyrrell Hatton, Louis Oosthuizen, and Tom McKibbin are also no longer available for LIV 2.0. Bryson DeChambeau remains loyal to the league and is working on a sustainable future, but the departures speak volumes. The practical aspect of travel strains – that's the true sticking point in the LIV universe.
