LIV Golf faces funding cuts as Saudi Public Investment Fund pulls out
PGA Tour announcer Doug Bell discusses reports that the Saudi Public Investment Fund will stop funding the LIV Golf league after the current season, putting its future in jeopardy. LIV Golf has had reported losses of between $6 and $9 billion since launching in 2021, surprising many agents and players. This significant economic shift underscores a broader reassessment of investment priorities by Saudi Arabia.
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Former NFL star Tony Romo’s amateur golf career has been well-documented since his retirement. But the quarterback-turned-broadcaster will have to wait at least one more year for a chance to compete in the US Open.
Romo shot a 9-over 79 in the Texas local qualifier, leaving him 11 shots outside the qualifying cutoff.
The former Dallas Cowboys signal caller is among eight athletes competing in the early stages of qualifying for this summer’s US Open.
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Tony Romo plays his shot from the second tee box during the final round of the American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada on July 13, 2025. (Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Romo has had success on the golf course, including a win at the American Century Championship. He last reached the final stage of US Open qualifying in 2010.
While Romo’s run ended, several retired MLB players are still in the hunt to advance, including two-time All-Star Tyler Clippard, former New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Hicks and former Mariners relief pitcher Shigetoshi Hasegawa. Hicks is married to former LPGA Tour golfer Cheyenne Woods, niece of five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods.
Aaron Hicks looks on after teeing off during the Capital One MLB Open at Shadow Creek Golf Course in North Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14, 2025. (Lucas Peltier/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
Former NFL players Danny Woodhead and Drew Olson are also among the group, while New York Rangers captain JT Miller and retired tennis player Mardy Fish continue to pursue eligibility.
Local qualifying gets underway this week, with five venues set to host action on Thursday. There are seven days left before the field has shrunk down to the final qualification.
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Tony Romo tees off during the final round of the American Century Celebrity Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nevada on July 13, 2025. (Tom R. Smedes/Special to RGJ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Another notable name on the list of US Open hopefuls is NHL referee Garrett Rank. This year’s tournament is scheduled to start at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, and run from June 15-18.
