The landscape of professional golf has undergone a significant transformation since the inception of LIV Golf in 2021. Backed by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), LIV Golf has introduced a new era of lucrative contracts and global tournaments, challenging traditional golf structures. This article delves into the top five LIV Golf contracts of 2025, explores the origins and financing of the league, highlights key tournaments and prize pools, and offers insights into the future coexistence of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour.
The Genesis of LIV Golf and Its Financial Backbone
LIV Golf emerged in 2021 with the ambition to revolutionize professional golf. The league’s name, “LIV,” represents the Roman numeral for 54, reflecting the number of holes in its tournaments. Unlike traditional tours, LIV Golf events feature 54-hole formats, shotgun starts, and no cuts, aiming to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for players and fans alike.
The league’s substantial financial resources stem from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. This backing has enabled LIV Golf to offer unprecedented contracts and prize money, attracting top talent from around the globe.
Top 5 LIV Golf Contracts of 2025
1. Jon Rahm – $300 Million
Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf in late 2023 was perhaps the most seismic shift in professional golf since the league’s inception. At the time of his departure from the PGA Tour, Rahm was ranked among the top players in the world and had already amassed a stellar resume, including victories at the U.S. Open and The Masters. His consistency, competitive fire, and dominance made him one of the PGA Tour’s biggest draws.
Leaving the PGA was not an easy decision for Rahm. Known for his loyalty to tradition and the prestige of golf’s historic institutions, Rahm had publicly voiced support for the PGA Tour in the early years of LIV’s existence. However, the reported $300 million offer was impossible to ignore. Beyond the financial aspect, LIV Golf offered him a different lifestyle—more time at home with his family, fewer tournaments per year, and the opportunity to shape a new era of the sport.
His decision sparked intense debate. Some fans and commentators felt betrayed, given his previous stance. Others understood that the deal not only provided generational wealth but also gave Rahm a leadership position in a rising global tour. Despite the controversy, Rahm has maintained his image as a principled and focused athlete. His signing immediately raised the prestige of LIV Golf Contracts and signaled the league’s ability to compete directly with the PGA Tour for the game’s top talent.
2. Phil Mickelson – $138 Million
Phil Mickelson’s $138 million deal with LIV Golf was one of the most talked-about contracts in sports history, not just because of the money, but because of what it represented. A legend of the game with over 40 PGA Tour victories and six major championships, Mickelson was not just another player switching tours—he was a symbol of the old guard embracing change.
Mickelson was one of the first high-profile players to advocate for LIV Golf, and his involvement came with considerable backlash. At the time of his signing, Mickelson was dealing with criticism related to comments he made about LIV’s Saudi backing, as well as scrutiny over his gambling habits and relationships with sponsors. His departure from the PGA Tour was clouded in controversy, and some questioned whether his move was financially motivated due to personal financial issues.
Despite the noise, Mickelson remained resolute. For him, LIV Golf Contracts were about reshaping the economics of golf, advocating for players to have more power and revenue share. His move paved the way for other players to follow, and his status as an early adopter solidified his legacy as a disruptor in the sport. Though the decision may have burned bridges with certain institutions, Mickelson’s career will be remembered for his boldness and trailblazing role in professional golf’s evolution.
3. Brooks Koepka – $130 Million
Brooks Koepka’s decision to join LIV Golf came as a surprise to many, especially given his initial criticisms of the breakaway league. Koepka, a four-time major champion and one of the most dominant players of his era, built his career on big-stage performances, particularly in majors. Known for his icy demeanor and relentless focus, he was a centerpiece of the PGA Tour’s branding during his peak years.
His departure raised eyebrows because Koepka had previously expressed disdain for the concept of LIV, even mocking its structure and format. However, in 2022 he quietly reversed course and signed a contract reportedly worth $130 million. The shift was met with skepticism, as fans and analysts speculated that lingering injuries and a desire for a lighter schedule may have influenced his decision.
There was also a layer of personal redemption involved. Koepka’s performances had declined due to injury, and LIV Golf offered him a stage to recover without the grueling weekly grind of the PGA schedule. In the aftermath, he found success in both LIV events and major championships, proving that his competitive edge remained sharp. His story shows how LIV Golf Contracts can offer both financial security and a fresh start, even for former skeptics.
4. Bryson DeChambeau – $125 Million
Bryson DeChambeau’s $125 million contract with LIV Golf was a match made in headline heaven. A polarizing figure known for his scientific approach to the game, massive drives, and outspoken nature, DeChambeau had always marched to the beat of his own drum. His move to LIV Golf was entirely on-brand: bold, unconventional, and disruptive.
While he enjoyed significant success on the PGA Tour—including a U.S. Open win and multiple other victories—DeChambeau had a complicated relationship with fans and fellow players. His analytical style, slow pace of play, and public feuds made him both a lightning rod and a media darling. Signing with LIV was seen by some as a way for him to reset and control his narrative.
His departure also came at a time when he was dealing with injuries and performance inconsistencies. LIV Golf not only offered financial security, but also a structure that allowed him to ease back into top form. The shorter events and team-based format suited his style and personality. While controversial, DeChambeau’s contract represents the kind of player that LIV thrives on: talent with a touch of drama.
LIV Golf Contracts like DeChambeau’s illustrate the league’s willingness to bet on personalities as much as performance. His presence ensures media buzz, whether it’s about 400-yard drives or unexpected on-course antics.
5. Dustin Johnson – $125 Million
Dustin Johnson’s move to LIV Golf came early in the league’s development, and his $125 million contract signaled to the world that LIV was serious. A former world number one with two major championships and over 20 PGA Tour wins, Johnson was one of the sport’s most consistent and marketable stars.
His decision surprised many. Johnson had previously pledged loyalty to the PGA Tour, only to reverse course months later. However, his transition was relatively smooth and free of the intense controversy that followed others. His quiet demeanor and laid-back personality helped him avoid much of the backlash. Still, his departure was a significant loss for the PGA Tour, as Johnson had long been one of its marquee players.
For Johnson, the decision appeared pragmatic. Already financially secure and accomplished, LIV Golf Contracts offered him a massive payday with a lighter schedule and fewer media obligations. He thrived immediately in the new format, leading his team to victories and playing a key role in legitimizing the league.
Johnson’s story is one of professional calculation. He avoided most of the emotional baggage that came with the LIV vs. PGA split and simply focused on golf. In many ways, he became the model for how to transition without drama, showing that not all moves to LIV have to be controversial to be impactful. His contract remains one of the most iconic in the league’s short history.
These substantial contracts highlight LIV Golf’s strategy of investing heavily in top-tier talent to establish itself as a premier golf league.
LIV Golf’s Premier Tournaments of 2025: Format, Payouts, and Fan Experience
LIV Golf’s 2025 season is built around a global series of events, each designed to offer world-class competition, eye-popping prize money, and a reimagined fan experience. These events span continents, offering both local and international fans the chance to see elite-level golf in a more fast-paced, entertainment-driven format. Here’s a closer look at the standout tournaments on the 2025 LIV Golf calendar.
LIV Golf Riyadh
Location: Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia
Total Purse: $25 million
1st Place: $5 million
2nd Place: $2.25 million
3rd Place: $1.5 million
Played on one of the most visually stunning desert courses in the world, LIV Golf Riyadh showcases the technical skill required to play in windy, dry conditions with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The event serves as a flagship for LIV’s Middle Eastern presence.
In 2025, the tournament drew a massive crowd, especially from regional golf fans eager to see the sport’s biggest names. The event concluded with Jon Rahm taking the top spot, solidifying his dominant presence on the LIV circuit.
LIV Golf Adelaide
Location: The Grange Golf Club, Adelaide, Australia
Total Purse: $25 million
1st Place: $5 million
2nd Place: $2.25 million
3rd Place: $1.5 million
LIV Golf Adelaide stands out for its electric fan base and party-like atmosphere. The Grange is known for its tree-lined fairways and tricky greens, and the 2025 edition lived up to the hype. The course, which blends challenge with charm, allowed players to score low but punished mistakes heavily.
Bryson DeChambeau emerged victorious here, capturing the crowd’s attention with his aggressive play and massive drives. The Australian crowd, known for their vocal enthusiasm, helped make this one of the most memorable events of the season.
LIV Golf Singapore
Location: Sentosa Golf Club, Serapong Course, Singapore
Total Purse: $25 million
1st Place: $5 million
2nd Place: $2.25 million
3rd Place: $1.5 million
Sentosa’s Serapong Course offers breathtaking views of the Singapore Strait and is widely regarded as one of Asia’s premier golf venues. With its fast greens, rolling fairways, and coastal winds, it requires precision and patience—perfect for LIV Golf’s format.
The 2025 tournament was dominated by Dustin Johnson, whose calm demeanor and strategic play allowed him to secure the win under pressure. The event attracted a mix of international tourists and local fans, cementing LIV’s presence in Southeast Asia.
LIV Golf Miami
Location: Trump National Doral Miami, Blue Monster Course, Florida, USA
Total Purse: $25 million
1st Place: $5 million
2nd Place: $2.25 million
3rd Place: $1.5 million
Known for its deep bunkers, lengthy par-4s, and water hazards on nearly every hole, the Blue Monster remains one of the most iconic golf courses in the U.S. The Miami event brings an American flair to LIV Golf’s calendar, drawing huge crowds and media attention.
In 2025, Brooks Koepka clinched a dramatic victory, edging out Rahm and DeChambeau in a tense final round. The atmosphere was festive, blending music, food trucks, and high-energy crowds into a unique tournament experience.
LIV Golf Team Championship
Location: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE
Total Purse: $50 million
Winning Team: $16 million
2nd Place Team: $10 million
3rd Place Team: $8 million
(remaining prize money distributed to teams based on placement)
This season-ending team event is the crown jewel of LIV Golf’s calendar. The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates, known for its immaculate conditions and world-class facilities, sets the stage for this high-stakes finale.
The 2025 Team Championship saw Rahm’s team come out on top, powered by consistent performances across all three days of stroke-play and match-play formats. The team format brought added drama, as alliances and rivalries intensified. The championship had a closing ceremony atmosphere, with fireworks, live performances, and thousands in attendance.
Spectator Experience: LIV vs. PGA
The spectator experience at a LIV Golf tournament differs significantly from a traditional PGA event. LIV has made fan engagement a priority from day one. Events feature live music stages, hospitality suites, interactive games, and even stadium-style seating around signature holes to amplify energy.
Ticket Pricing Comparison:
LIV Golf: General admission tickets often start around $40–$50 per day, with weekend packages and VIP options ranging from $150 to $600 depending on amenities. Children under a certain age are frequently admitted for free.
PGA Tour: Tickets vary by event, with standard one-day grounds passes ranging from $60 to $100. Majors are significantly more expensive, with VIP hospitality packages often exceeding $1,000.
The difference is not just cost — it’s in the style of the event. LIV is aiming for a younger, more entertainment-driven crowd, while PGA events tend to retain a traditional, reserved, and golf-focused atmosphere.
Broadcast and Streaming Access
LIV Golf events in 2025 are broadcast globally via select cable networks and increasingly through digital platforms. Streaming has become a major focus, with tournaments available on dedicated apps and websites that offer full coverage, player cams, and real-time stats.
Unlike the PGA Tour, which has longstanding broadcasting contracts and network coverage in place, LIV has leaned into free streaming and digital access to expand its reach. This has helped bring in a younger demographic and a more international audience.
The Future of LIV Golf and Its Coexistence with the PGA Tour
The emergence of LIV Golf has sparked discussions about the future structure of professional golf. While initial reactions included skepticism and resistance, ongoing negotiations suggest a potential for coexistence between LIV Golf and established tours like the PGA.
A possible framework for harmony could involve collaborative scheduling, allowing players to participate in events across both leagues. Joint ventures or co-sanctioned tournaments might also bridge the gap, fostering a more unified golfing community.
Ultimately, the coexistence of LIV Golf and the PGA Tour could lead to a more diverse and enriched golfing landscape, offering fans a broader array of competitions and narratives.
The top five LIV Golf contracts of 2025 exemplify the league’s transformative impact on professional golf. With substantial financial backing, innovative tournament structures, and a growing roster of elite players, LIV Golf continues to redefine the sport’s dynamics. As discussions about integration and coexistence progress, the future of golf promises to be both exciting and inclusive.
