LIV Bankruptcy, Pro Rollback & Tiger's Hurdle - September 22nd, 2026

On September 22nd, 2026, the golf world was rocked by major off-course news as LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy, the USGA finalized a pro-only equipment rollback, and Tiger Woods helped design a new PGA Tour structure that complicates his own playing future. LIV GOLF / BANKRUPTCY FALLOUT Following the Saudi PIF's shocking withdrawal, LIV Golf has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The league now faces a tight 35-day window to restructure and form "LIV 2.0" with BC Partners Advisors. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp confirmed there is no returning member program for defectors, while Bryson DeChambeau is reportedly owed $5.77 million. Pivoting to content creation, DeChambeau announced a bait-and-switch YouTube series: "Welcome to Backyard Games... competing in my backyard for the chance to play me for this $100,000." USGA & R&A / EQUIPMENT ROLLBACK The governing bodies have officially announced a bifurcated, pro-only equipment rollback slated for 2028. The new rules will cap ball flight at 317 yards and limit driver characteristic time to 239 microseconds. Brandel Chamblee stated "bifurcation makes perfect sense," while Rex Hoggard called the move a "comprehensive fix" for the professional game. Amateurs can breathe easy—Jonathan Wall assured weekend warriors that "your equipment at retail does not change." PGA TOUR / TIGER WOODS' ELIGIBILITY A new two-tier Championship and Challenger series arrives in 2028, requiring 15 starts in 2027 for a career exemption. Ironically, Tiger Woods helped design the system but may struggle to meet the playing requirements himself. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp praised Tiger's selflessness in the design process: "This was not about needing to change the rules for Tiger." To keep playing, Woods might have to rely on clearance from a newly formed independent medical evaluation committee. OFF-COURSE NEWS / ERIC LARSON PARDON Harris English’s caddie, Eric Larson, received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump, clearing a 1995 conviction that previously forced the veteran looper to miss the 2025 Open Championship. Larson emphasized that he wanted the pardon "based on my merits not because I know him." Looking ahead to his continued career on the bag, a grateful Larson declared he is "not done yet." Quick Hits Sandy Scott secures his 2027 Tour card with a record-setting 18-under 266 victory at the Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship • Scott's emotional win comes after overcoming severe wrist injuries that threatened his career • "I was in some really low times... It has been a weird journey and I am just so happy," Scott reflected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.