LIV Golf Announces New 2026 Tournament in New Orleans

New Orleans, Aug 28 (AP) LIV Golf League has announced a new summer tournament scheduled for 2026 in New Orleans. This comes after Louisiana agreed to pay the Saudi-backed golf tour $5 million and allocate an additional $2.2 million for enhancements to the Bayou Oaks course in City Park.

Gov. Jeff Landry made the announcement alongside LIV Golf officials and player Bubba Watson, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. "What an unbelievable opportunity to announce this," Landry remarked.

New Orleans already hosts the Zurich Classic at TPC Louisiana, part of the PGA Tour. Watson, a native of Pensacola, Florida, and a past Zurich winner in 2011, expressed excitement about playing in New Orleans once more.

"I'm from the Gulf Coast and this is part of my home," Watson commented, adding humor by mentioning his frequent game attendances in hopes of seeing New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson play. "I still hope for that day," he quipped. He showed little concern about the tournament taking place in late June when heat and thunderstorms are regular occurrences, stressing that date adjustments could be made in future years.

"This is the first year of it, so the date can always be changed if it does come here multiple years," Watson stated. "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." A recent LIV Golf tournament held in Dallas in late June experienced daytime temperatures around 90 degrees.

"We're going to try it out and then we'll see," Landry said. "Whether we've got to adjust the dates after this go-around, we'll see. But my objective is to have this be LIV's home." This year, Louisiana provided about $650,000 in economic development funding for marketing and operations at the Zurich Classic, and TPC Louisiana receives periodic state subsidies for course and facility improvements.

LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil was reticent on how the $5 million payment compares with what other locations have provided. "All the markets are unique," O'Neil stated. "They all come with their unique challenges and opportunities." Organizers anticipate the event will boost the local economy by approximately $40 million.

Highlighting the economic benefits, Landry noted the agreement allows investment in the historic City Park, which spans over 1,300 acres and is among the largest urban parks in the U.S. "This is a public piece of property," Landry emphasized. "This area needs revitalization."

Although not an avid golfer, Landry appreciates the lively fan atmosphere promoted by LIV Golf, which contrasts with the traditional quietude of the PGA Tour. "That's just not me," he explained about the quiet environments. "That's why I love LIV Golf. No quiet' signs. It's a party."

Landry dismissed doubts over New Orleans’ capacity to support both a PGA Tour and a LIV Golf event. "I don't think those events compete against each other," he assured. "This is an opportunity to bring a different group of people on another course."

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