LIV Golf is expanding its footprint in the United States with the addition of a summer 2026 tournament in New Orleans, following a significant financial commitment from Louisiana. The state has agreed to pay $5 million to the Saudi-backed golf tour and allocate an additional $2.2 million for upgrades to the Bayou Oaks course in City Park, where the event will take place.
Governor Jeff Landry announced the agreement alongside LIV Golf officials and professional golfer Bubba Watson, using the moment to reflect on the resilience of the city. "What an unbelievable opportunity to announce this on the 20th-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina", Landry said. The upgrades to City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, aim to revitalize the nearly 1,300-acre public area, which has a history stretching over 170 years. "This is a public piece of property", Landry added. "This area needs revitalization."
A Gulf Coast Return for Bubba Watson
Bubba Watson, a two-time Masters champion who grew up in Pensacola, Florida, just a few hours from New Orleans, expressed his excitement about the new tournament. Watson, who previously won the city’s PGA Tour stop, the Zurich Classic, in 2011, expressed his connection to the area. "I’m from the Gulf Coast and this is part my home", he said. Watson also humorously mentioned his many trips to New Orleans to watch the Pelicans play basketball. "I still hope for that day", he joked, referring to NBA star Zion Williamson’s well-documented injury struggles.
Watson seemed confident about managing the challenges posed by the tournament’s late-June dates, a time when New Orleans typically sees high heat and the early stages of hurricane season. "This is the first year of it, so the date can always be changed if it does come here multiple years", he said. "It’s going to be hot in a lot of places in the summer. … I’ve grown up in the South; I know about heat. We just prepare for it."
Economic Boost and LIV’s Vision for the Gulf
The event is projected to generate approximately $40 million in economic activity for the local economy, according to organizers. Governor Landry emphasized the broader opportunity the partnership represents, suggesting a long-term vision for making New Orleans a hub for LIV Golf. "My objective is to have this be LIV’s home", Landry stated.
The financial terms of the deal also highlight Louisiana’s support for professional golf. This year, the state provided $650,000 in economic development funding to the Zurich Classic for marketing and operations, in addition to periodic subsidies for course improvements at TPC Louisiana, where the PGA Tour event is hosted.
Despite New Orleans’ relatively small metro-area population of just over one million and limited corporate headquarters, Landry dismissed concerns that the city could struggle to support both a LIV Golf event and the long-running Zurich Classic. "I don’t think those events compete against each other", he said. "This is an opportunity to bring a different group of people on another course."
LIV Golf’s Approach to Fan Engagement
One unique aspect of LIV Golf, which has garnered attention since its inception, is its effort to create a more lively and interactive atmosphere for fans compared to the traditionally quieter PGA Tour events. This particularly appeals to Governor Landry, who admitted that the usual golf tournament etiquette doesn’t suit him. "That’s just not me", he said. "That’s why I love LIV Golf. No ‘quiet’ signs. It’s a party."
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil declined to compare Louisiana’s $5 million investment to public funding provided by other locations hosting LIV events, emphasizing the unique nature of each market. "All the markets are unique", O’Neil said. "They all come with their unique challenges and opportunities."
Looking Ahead
While details about the potential long-term future of the tournament remain uncertain, both state officials and LIV Golf organizers seem optimistic. Governor Landry and Bubba Watson expressed their shared enthusiasm for what this event could mean for New Orleans, both as a sporting destination and as an economic driver. For now, the city looks forward to welcoming the global golf tour in June 2026, with hopes of establishing a lasting partnership.