LIV Golf chief announces major expansion plans amid Saudi backing

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has unveiled plans to launch a women's golf league in the next two to three years, backed by substantial investments from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Aramco, and Golf Saudi.

O'Neil, who has taken note of Tom McKibbin's impressive outings, underscored the significance of this development, saying, "I think in the next 2-3 years you'll see us enter women's golf, and fortunately on a platform of incredible investment by the kingdom and through Aramco and through Golf Saudi."

This comes as the organization prepares to introduce new tournaments in South Africa and New Orleans in 2026, which has caught Bryson DeChambeau off guard.

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The move signifies a major leap in LIV Golf's strategy to diversify and extend its reach in the international sports landscape. O'Neil, succeeding Greg Norman at the helm, pointed out the backing from prominent figures, stating that "our Chairman (Yasir Al-Rumayyan) is a huge proponent of women's sports.

He's the Chairman of Aramco, the largest partner, and now through Golf Saudi, they'll become one of the biggest players in women's sports, and sports in general, around the world." LIV Golf's potential foray into women's golf is part of its continuous push to innovate and transform the professional golf scene.

O'Neil has been vocal about his ambitions for LIV Golf, envisioning it as a powerhouse in the sport: "I think that LIV Golf will have a dominant position in global golf [and] will be the place you go for global golf."

LIV Golf's ascent has been swift and tumultuous. Launched in 2021 by Greg Norman with the support of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, LIV Golf set out to shake up the status quo with a fresh format and enticing purses to lure elite players.

Its distinctive 54-hole events, shotgun starts, and team formats have caused a stir, enticing marquee players to defect from the PGA Tour. Despite facing initial resistance from traditional tours and some players, LIV Golf has pursued rapid expansion.

By 2023, it evolved into the LIV Golf League, broadening its calendar with additional tournaments both stateside and abroad. In a landmark move that year, the league forged a merger with the PGA and DP World Tours, heralding a new era of collaboration and clout within golf.

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Looking to extend its influence to women's golf, LIV Golf seems poised to use its considerable resources and innovative approach to leave an indelible mark on the sport at every level. Backed by key Saudi entities, LIV Golf is not just financially robust but also strategically focused on expanding golf's worldwide presence.

Venturing into women's golf offers LIV Golf a unique chance to capitalize on a swiftly expanding market with growing viewership and sponsorship opportunities.

O'Neil's remarks indicate that this isn't just a cautious move, but a strategic push to position LIV Golf as a dominant force in both men's and women's professional golf, potentially transforming the future of the sport worldwide.