Donald Trump Explains to Golf Expert Why LIV Golf Is Here to Stay for the Long Haul | OutKick
Donald Trump Reveals to Analyst the Precise Reasons LIV Golf Isn't Vanishing Anytime Soon
LIV Golf's Enduring Presence: Insights from the Former President
Published October 14, 2025 at 8:45 AM EDT • Updated October 14, 2025 at 8:20 AM EDT
Imagine a bold new chapter in golf that's shaking up the sport like never before—LIV Golf isn't just a fleeting trend; it's digging in deep, and former President Donald Trump has the inside scoop on why it won't fade away! If you're new to this, LIV Golf is an alternative professional golf tour launched in 2022, backed heavily by Saudi Arabia, aiming to offer shorter formats, bigger purses, and a more spectacle-driven experience compared to the traditional PGA Tour. As it gears up for its fifth season kicking off in Riyadh in February 2026, the circuit hasn't quite hit the popularity boom many expected, feeling somewhat stuck in neutral. But let's be clear: that stagnation doesn't spell doom. In fact, it's far from packing up its clubs and disappearing into the sunset.
Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee, one of LIV Golf's most outspoken critics (check out more on LIV Golf at https://www.outkick.com/category/liv-golf), recently sat down with Trey Wingo on the 'Straight Facts Homie' podcast (available on https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brandel-chamblee-on-golfs-civil-war-liv-the-pga-tour/id1835668090?i=1000731180752) to chat about the evolving world of golf. It wasn't long before the discussion turned to LIV, and Chamblee shared a fascinating anecdote from a round of golf he played with President Donald Trump (explore more on Trump at https://www.outkick.com/category/donald-trump) about two years ago. During that game, Trump laid out the exact reasons why LIV Golf is poised to endure, pinpointing one glaring factor that ensures its survival.
"One key thing he mentioned to me," Chamblee recounted, quoting Trump's words from their time on the course: "'I realize we see eye to eye differently on LIV, but allow me to explain exactly why LIV is going to endure.'" Trump emphasized two main points. First, he highlighted Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF)—a massive sovereign wealth fund managing billions in assets. Trump noted that Al-Rumayyan is absolutely passionate about golf, rivaling even the deepest devotion of avid players like Chamblee or Trump himself. Second, and perhaps most crucially, Trump pointed out the enormous financial backing: "They've got 32 trillion dollars worth of oil reserves buried under that desert sand."
But here's where it gets controversial... Chamblee went further, explaining that the Saudis, as the exclusive sponsors of LIV Golf, are driven by a need to diversify their economy beyond oil dependency. This isn't just about business—it's rooted in geo-strategic imperatives and long-term political stability. For beginners wondering what that means, think of it like this: a country overly reliant on one resource (like oil) risks economic upheaval if prices crash or global shifts occur, such as the rise of electric cars reducing oil demand. By investing in global ventures like a worldwide golf tour, Saudi Arabia can build international partnerships, attract tourism, and showcase a more modern image. Abandoning LIV? Not in the cards, as it's a perfect platform for these goals, jetting around the world and fostering connections.
To illustrate, over the years, LIV Golf has staged various tournaments at properties owned by Trump, blending celebrity, sport, and high-stakes entertainment. It's a win-win: the Saudis get a vehicle for diversification, while the tour gains prestige and financial muscle.
And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about golf, it's a geopolitical chess move!
For more context, read how Chamblee, a longtime LIV skeptic, softened his stance after that Trump encounter: https://www.outkick.com/sports/brandel-chamblee-changes-opinion-liv-golf-saudi-pif-donald-trump.
Trump's perspective might not be groundbreaking or novel—anyone following LIV Golf closely knows the Saudis' deep pockets mean they can afford to run at a loss for years if needed, thanks to the PIF's vast resources. But when the former President of the United States personally endorses this view, it adds undeniable gravitas. It's like hearing your favorite golf buddy speculate versus getting the word from a world leader.
Now, here's a thought-provoking angle that's bound to stir debate: Critics might argue that such heavy Saudi involvement raises ethical concerns, from human rights issues to the potential undermining of traditional golf's integrity. On the flip side, supporters could say it's innovation driving the sport forward, making it more accessible and exciting. Do you think LIV Golf is a genuine game-changer for golf's future, or is it just a flashy distraction funded by questionable motives? Is it fair for a nation with such wealth to reshape a global sport, or does this represent a bold step toward economic evolution? Share your take in the comments—do you agree with Trump's optimistic outlook, or do you see LIV fading despite the billions? Let's discuss!
