Sergio Garcia is seeking to terminate his LIV Golf contract as the financially troubled league faces growing uncertainty over its future, with an Australian golf venue also claiming that it has not received payments agreed under its tournament hosting arrangements.
Garcia, who has been part of LIV Golf since its launch in 2022, has asked a United States bankruptcy court to formally end his agreement with the Saudi-backed golf league or allow him to terminate it independently. The request was submitted by Garcia’s legal representatives and his company, Even Par LLC, in response to LIV Golf’s proposed restructuring plan.
The legal filing comes as LIV Golf attempts to reorganise its business following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing on September 8, 2026. The league’s financial difficulties have raised questions about its ability to retain leading players, fulfil contractual commitments and continue operating in 2027.
Garcia’s lawyers have indicated that they do not oppose LIV Golf’s broader restructuring proposal, which could release players from their existing agreements. However, they want the court to clarify Garcia’s contractual position to avoid uncertainty over his professional and commercial commitments.
The legal team argues that the existing LIV Golf contract could create difficulties for Garcia when negotiating with tournament organisers, sponsors and other business partners. As long as the agreement remains legally active, potential partners may be reluctant to work with him because of uncertainty surrounding his contractual obligations.
Garcia’s representatives also argue that LIV Golf has made clear its intention not to fulfil its obligations under the existing agreement. They maintain that the contract is a personal services agreement that cannot be assumed by the reorganised league without Garcia’s consent.
The request highlights the growing uncertainty facing players as they consider their professional options beyond LIV Golf, particularly with the 2027 season approaching.
Garcia’s Exit Request Raises Questions Over Players’ Future
Garcia’s attempt to secure an official termination of his LIV Golf contract comes amid wider discussions about the possibility of players returning to established professional tours.
Earlier this year, representatives of several LIV Golf players reportedly contacted the PGA Tour and DP World Tour to explore potential routes back to their respective competitions. However, the PGA Tour has maintained a firm position on players seeking to return, indicating that it will not entertain discussions until they demonstrate that they are no longer bound by their LIV agreements.
The tour has also indicated that the exemption previously granted to Brooks Koepka to return would not be extended to other players under the same circumstances. Agents and players are reportedly anticipating suspensions of at least one year from tour-related activities, making clarity over their contractual status particularly important.
Garcia’s legal request could therefore become significant as players assess their options for 2027. Although ending his LIV Golf contract would remove one potential obstacle, it would not automatically guarantee his reinstatement to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour.
The Spanish golfer has been associated with LIV Golf since its inaugural season and has been one of the league’s established figures. His latest legal move follows years of tension surrounding his relationship with traditional professional golf organisations.
Garcia previously attracted attention in 2022 when he expressed frustration during a rules dispute at the Wells Fargo Championship, saying he could not wait to leave the tour. More recently, his outburst at the 2026 Masters, during which he damaged a tee box and broke his driver, also attracted considerable attention.
However, reports suggesting that the Masters incident directly influenced Saudi Arabia’s decision to withdraw financial support from LIV Golf remain unconfirmed. The withdrawal had reportedly been under consideration well before the incident.
Australian Venue Seeks Payment as LIV Golf Plans Restructuring
LIV Golf’s financial challenges have also affected its tournament arrangements, with Kooyonga Golf Club in South Australia seeking clarification over its scheduled 2027 event.
The club, which is expected to host LIV Golf’s Australian tournament early next year, has filed a motion in the US bankruptcy court, claiming that the league has failed to make payments in accordance with their agreement.
Kooyonga Golf Club is seeking assurances that LIV Golf will fulfil its contractual obligations and confirm whether the tournament will proceed as scheduled. The club has also established a deadline for the league to meet its commitments, with the court expected to consider the motion later in October.
The uncertainty surrounding the Australian event has intensified following comments by South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, who said it was unlikely that the tournament would take place in 2027.
The dispute adds further pressure on LIV Golf as it attempts to resolve outstanding financial obligations while developing a strategy to continue beyond the current season.
Under its proposed restructuring plan, LIV Golf is seeking financial backing from London-based private-equity firm BC Partners. The arrangement could result in the firm financing the league’s attempted return in 2027 through a recapitalisation transaction, potentially transferring majority ownership to the players.
However, the proposal remains subject to court approval, and important questions remain about the structure of the financing. These include whether the funding would be provided as a loan, depend on additional investors or require a minimum number of players to remain with the league.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which established LIV Golf as part of its international investment strategy, has also raised concerns about the proposed arrangement and BC Partners’ intentions.
Several leading players, including Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, have yet to commit to the proposed league structure, while Cameron Smith has expressed frustration over the lack of communication from LIV Golf’s leadership.
The unresolved LIV Golf contract issues, combined with financial disputes and uncertainty over player participation, have placed the league’s proposed 2027 season under considerable pressure.
Garcia’s request and Kooyonga’s legal action are now among the developments that could shape the outcome of LIV Golf’s restructuring. The bankruptcy court’s decisions, the availability of new financing and the willingness of players and tournament venues to remain involved will be central to determining whether the league can continue operating next year.