LIV Golf has appointed former TaylorMade chief executive Mark King as a senior advisor as the embattled league attempts to secure its future beyond 2026.<\/p>\n
King\u2019s appointment comes as LIV works to complete a recapitalisation transaction with BC Partners Credit following the withdrawal of Saudi Arabia\u2019s Public Investment Fund\u2019s financial support beyond this season.<\/p>\n
RELATED: Who has left LIV Golf (so far) and those still weighing up their options before reported October 25 deadline<\/a><\/p>\n King, who helped grow TaylorMade from $US300 million to more than $US1.85 billion in sales, will advise LIV\u2019s leadership and is expected to recruit and chair an advisory board for the league\u2019s next era.<\/p>\n \u201cMark is a proven leader with an extraordinary track record of transforming businesses, building iconic brands, and creating community,\u201d LIV Golf chief executive officer Scott O\u2019Neil said.<\/p>\n \u201cHis deep understanding and relationships in and around the professional golf industry, combined with his expertise in driving innovation and building high-performing organisations, makes him a valuable addition as an advisor to our team at this pivotal moment. Mark\u2019s perspective and guidance will further enhance our leadership team as we build a sustainable, player-focused global tour.\u201d<\/p>\n The appointment comes as LIV faces a crucial test of its ability to retain players and establish a sustainable business model. The league\u2019s initial October 25 deadline for player commitments has passed, with departures and uncertainty surrounding several high-profile names adding pressure ahead of the 2027 season. <\/p>\n Trusted social media source Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) has reported the PIF have set a deadline of October 30, 2026 to determine whether they will allow BC Partners to continue the restructuring, or move towards formal liquidation.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s Lucas Herbert has emerged among the latest players reported to be leaving, although he hasn\u2019t publicly confirmed his departure. <\/p>\n King believes the league still has significant potential.<\/p>\n \u201cHaving spent much of my career in golf, I believe there is a tremendous opportunity for LIV Golf to establish itself as a competitive and enduring force in the game,\u201d he said. \u201cCompetition drives innovation, creates opportunities, and ultimately makes the entire ecosystem stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n LIV says BC Partners Credit has secured an initial investment and that the transaction remains on track, although the deal has yet to be completed.<\/p>\n \u201cMark\u2019s appointment is another important step forward as we continue to build momentum towards the next era of LIV Golf,\u201d said Ted Goldthorpe, partner and head of BC Partners Credit.<\/p>\n For Australian golf, the stakes are significant. LIV Golf Adelaide is scheduled to return to Kooyonga from March 18\u201321, 2027, with the league\u2019s Australian commitment extending through at least 2031.<\/p>\n On Tuesday, South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas told SEN SA radio that he expects a final decision on LIV Golf Adelaide to be made by November 2.<\/p>\n “There’s a critical date on the 2nd of November I think it is for their financial restructuring and then we’ll see”.<\/p>\n SA Premier Peter Malinauskas joined SEN SA Breakfast with Bicks and Walshy this morning, revealing we should know about the future of LIV Golf in Adelaide by\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/dzjipsmOn6<\/a><\/p>\n