After gaining a lot, players of color are at risk of being the biggest losers
The golfing world has been in turmoil since the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched LIV Golf in 2022. With its 54-hole format, shotgun starts, and guaranteed millions, LIV disrupted the sport’s traditional ecosystem. As rumors swirl regarding the “now dead” merger negotiations between the PIF and the PGA Tour, the specter of LIV Golf’s closure looms large. If the breakaway league disbands, a unique cohort of players—particularly those from Latin America and the tour’s lone African American star—faces a precarious professional crossroads. It’s uncertain whether news of a new investor will be enough to salvage the LIV Tour, already facing numerous lawsuits over non-payments, reduced prizes and canceled events.
The potential closure is not a foregone conclusion, but the signs are undeniable. LIV’s initial allure was its financial security; players signed lucrative, multi-year contracts that insulated them from the weekly grind of Tour cuts. Yet now, with the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and PIF effectively dead in the water, the future of LIV’s format is uncertain.
For Hispanic players like Abraham Ancer and Joaquin Niemann, and others, the transition would be complex, though their paths differ significantly. Ancer, the Mexican star, was a top-20 player globally before his defection. His game suits the traditional Tour, and Ancer has the FedEx Cup pedigree to re-establish himself. Even so, the PGA Tour’s re-entry policy for LIV players remains contentious, with fines and suspensions still unresolved. Ancer could pivot to the DP World Tour (European Tour) to rebuild his ranking, but he would face a grueling schedule to regain his status.
Joaquin Niemann, the Chilean sensation, presents a different case. At just 25, Niemann is arguably the most talented young player on LIV. His victory at the 2024 Australian Open proved he can still compete against the world’s best. Even so, his Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) has plummeted because LIV does not offer ranking points. If LIV folds, Niemann’s immediate path back to major championships is blocked. His best alternative would be to leverage his international appeal to secure sponsor exemptions into majors and PGA Tour events, hoping his performance forces a pathway back to full status.
Perhaps the most precarious situation belongs to Harold Varner III. As the only African American player on the LIV roster, Varner’s move was seen as a major coup for the league’s diversity efforts. Varner’s game is streaky, and while he is a beloved figure in the locker room, his results on LIV have been inconsistent. If the tour closes, Varner faces a harsh reality: he left a secure PGA Tour card for a league that may cease to exist after 2026. His options are limited. He could try the Korn Ferry Tour, but that would be a massive step down. More realistically, Varner would need to rely on his reputation and relationships to seek international starts and sponsorships, hoping to grind his way back through Monday qualifiers—a brutal path for a player accustomed to guaranteed paychecks.
The closure of LIV would not just be a logistical nightmare; it would be a diversity setback. LIV actively recruited players from Latin America, Asia, and Africa, offering a global platform that the PGA Tour often under-serves. If Ancer, Niemann, and Varner are left in limbo, the broader implication is clear: minority golfers worldwide could see a damaging signal.
Ultimately, the “alternative” for these players is not simply a return to the PGA Tour; it is a fight for survival in a fractured sport that many view as elite and discriminatory to begin with. They must navigate a complex web of legal battles, rankings, and qualifying schools. For Ancer and Niemann, talent may eventually win out. For Varner, the road is steeper, requiring resilience and a bit of luck. As the golf world waits for a final ruling, these athletes remain symbols of a high-risk, high-reward gamble that may not pay off.
