LIV Golf ending season early, cancels Michigan event

LIV Golf has called off its season-ending team championship event scheduled for Plymouth, Michigan, amid a funding crisis, according to an announcement made on Monday. This decision follows the league's cancellation of a $30 million tournament in New Orleans, also announced last week. The 13 teams were set to compete for a $40 million prize pool at The Cardinal at Saint John's in Michigan, from August 27-30.

Instead, LIV will determine the season's individual champion, the team champion, and the Indianapolis champion at a tournament taking place from August 20-23 in Westfield, Indiana.

This marks the second tournament cancellation since Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund decided not to continue backing LIV Golf after the current season. CEO Scott O'Neil revealed last week that LIV had struck a deal with a "lead investor" to continue operations into the next season, which reportedly involves a funding arrangement with BC Partners. O'Neil stated that canceling the season would enable LIV to concentrate its resources on the future development of the league.

Reports indicate that LIV has been in financial distress, owing back pay to various contractors in video production, data collection, merchandising, and food and beverage operations, ranging from several thousand dollars to nearly $100,000. One vendor, Mobil Systems Group, has filed a lawsuit against LIV for breach of contract, unpaid invoices, and interest, seeking over $1.1 million in damages.

Despite these financial challenges, Jon Rahm of Spain has already secured his third consecutive LIV individual championship title. The team standings are currently led by Captain Dustin Johnson's 4Aces GC, followed by Ripper GC and defending champion Legion XIII.