News Summary

The Louisiana Senate Finance Committee has approved $7 million in public funding to attract the LIV Golf tournament to New Orleans. This funding aims to enhance the Bayou Oaks golf course and provide a $5 million hosting fee to LIV Golf. The anticipated event, set for 2026, could produce around $60 million in economic activity, boosting local tourism during traditionally low months. Despite controversy surrounding LIV’s Saudi ownership, local officials believe the tournament will benefit businesses and align with shifts in the golfing landscape.

New Orleans Approves Funding to Attract LIV Golf Tournament

New Orleans, Louisiana – The Louisiana Legislature’s Senate Finance Committee has approved a significant allocation of at least $7 million in public funding aimed at attracting the Saudi-owned LIV Golf tournament to the city in 2026. This investment is part of the proposed $49 billion state operating budget, which has generated discussions about the potential economic impact and implications of hosting the controversial event.

Of the approved funding, $2 million is earmarked for upgrading the Bayou Oaks golf course at City Park, the designated venue for the tournament. The remaining $5 million will serve as a hosting fee paid to LIV Golf. Senate President Cameron Henry has indicated that these funds are essential to prepare the course to meet the standards of a LIV-quality event. The anticipated tournament is projected to generate roughly $60 million in economic activity for New Orleans, a notable boost, especially considering it is scheduled for June or July 2026, a traditionally low period for tourism in the city.

The decision to pursue hosting the LIV Golf tournament follows over a year of discussions and strategic planning. The Louisiana Economic Development agency, headed by Governor Jeff Landry, initiated the request for public funding. The tournament’s timing aims to invigorate the local economy during months that usually see a drop in tourist activity.

LIV Golf, launched in 2021, was created as a competitor to the longstanding PGA Tour and has generated controversy due to its connections to the Saudi Public Investment Fund. This fund stands among the largest sovereign wealth funds globally, boasting almost $1 trillion in assets. Concerns have been raised about the implications of hosting an event organized by a company linked to Saudi Arabia, particularly given the country’s human rights record, leading to perceptions of “sports washing.”

Despite the complications surrounding LIV Golf, local officials believe that the tournament will benefit New Orleans businesses, especially during the offseason for tourism. Steve Worthy, associated with the Fore!Kids Foundation, mentioned that the tournament should not adversely affect the PGA Zurich Classic, an event with a rich history in New Orleans since 1938. Furthermore, a Jefferson Parish tourism promotion account has pledged an additional $250,000 to support the traditional PGA event.

LIV Golf’s entry into New Orleans aligns with broader shifts in the golf world. The PGA Tour, which initially pursued legal action against LIV Golf, later announced a merger with the entity, although the merger’s details remain unfinalized. This evolving landscape has also caught the attention of former President Donald Trump, who has openly supported LIV Golf and enjoyed a close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

While LIV Golf has not officially commented on the public funding request as of yet, the legislative approval sets the stage for what could become a multi-year contract, paving the way for additional LIV events in New Orleans in the future. The discussions surrounding the funding and the event itself underscore the balancing act local and state officials must navigate as they consider the economic benefits against the backdrop of ethical challenges related to the event’s Saudi ownership.

As the scheduled tournament date approaches, further details about logistics, ticket sales, and community engagement are likely to emerge. The outcome of this investment will be closely watched as it unfolds in the coming years, marking New Orleans’ increasing stake in sports tourism amidst a changing global landscape.

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Additional Resources

• Nola.com: LIV Golf Event Could Be Coming to New Orleans
• WDSU: New Orleans City Park LIV Golf Tournament Funding
• La Illuminator: Louisiana Set to Spend at Least $7M to Bring LIV Golf to New Orleans
• News from the States: Louisiana Set to Spend at Least $7M for LIV Golf
• The Advocate: LIV Golf Event Could Be Coming to New Orleans
• Wikipedia: LIV Golf