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With LIV Golf on the brink of extinction, what will its legacy be?
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced that it will end its financial support for LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, leaving its long-term future hanging 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, you know, not really too much has changed,” Sørenstam told Pakinomist 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)
“It definitely interrupted the golf game,” Sørenstam 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 Sørenstam attributed it to LIV Golf.
“I mean they can’t seem to see what they had before LIV was sustainable, so they’ve changed a lot of things. The purses have gone up, which is obviously great for the players.”
The golf legend said she loved the money coming into the sport but didn’t think LIV Golf was set up for long-term success with their 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/Imagn Images)
“I think in a way that it’s always easy to say from the outside, but I don’t think anyone thought it was a great business model. A lot of money went into the sport, which I welcome, but it didn’t seem like there was a big investment. So I think it was difficult just to maintain it,” says Sørenstam to Pakinomist Digital.
“So interesting to see how it unfolds. This year will definitely be telling. But we’re already seeing players jump ship and there.”
Sørenstam will play in the American Century Championship from July 10 to 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/Imagn Images)
She is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour events, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation.
“We’re trying to empower and promote young women through the game of golf, but also in life, different life skills, and it’s been really rewarding and satisfying 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 seeing the difference we’re making in these young women’s lives,” said Sørenstam.
With the Stableford scoring format, Sørenstam talked about being more aggressive and chasing more birdies and eagles. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
