LIV Golf Paid Executives Millions Amid Financial Struggles, Court Filings Show

LIV Golf paid $15.6 million in retention bonuses to seven executives in the months leading up to its September bankruptcy filing, according to court documents. The payments were made as Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), withdrew its financial support for the embattled golf tour.

CEO Scott O'Neil received $6.375 million as part of these retention payments, which were disbursed in the period between the PIF's decision to end funding and LIV Golf's official Chapter 11 filing. Other executives also received significant bonuses: Chief Financial Officer David Phillipps was paid $3.37 million and Chief Legal Officer John Ruzich received $2.6 million, both on June 24. O'Neil also received a separate $2.7 million bonus on February 13.

These executive payouts are detailed in a trove of documents filed in US Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey. The filings also revealed that $26 million was paid to golfer Jon Rahm in the year prior to the September 8 bankruptcy filing. Greg Norman, LIV's first CEO who departed in January 2025, received a $5.8 million settlement and a $3.6 million bonus on September 26, 2025.

LIV Golf is now attempting to restructure under a plan referred to as 'LIV 2.0', with BC Partners Credit pledging up to $300 million. However, the league faces challenges as several top players, including Rahm, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Adrian Meronk, and David Puig, have either separated from their LIV agreements or indicated their departure.

Despite the financial difficulties, compensating key executives during bankruptcy proceedings is not uncommon. The aim is often to ensure continued operations and guide the company through the restructuring process.

Players receiving payments from LIV Golf also include Bryson DeChambeau, who received nearly $13.9 million, and Dustin Johnson, who was paid $10.7 million. Cameron Smith and Bubba Watson each received approximately $2.5 million. While Rahm received funds, he reportedly has $100 million in future payments remaining from LIV and waived a $7.5 million claim for unpaid dues.

Beyond player and executive compensation, LIV Golf is also facing lawsuits for unpaid services. Mobbi Systems Group is seeking over $1 million for broadcast features, and Fresh Tape Media is claiming $1.2 million for producing media preview days. Both are listed among the 129 creditors with unsecured claims.

In August, O'Neil addressed concerns about outstanding payments, stating, "We're doing everything we can to make sure we can do right by them and the work they committed, and I hope we can. For the next generation, it will certainly be a different business with a different process."

Creditor claims also highlight the extensive costs associated with LIV's global tournaments, including fees for music licensing from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and payments to various vendors. A hearing on LIV's bankruptcy proceeding is scheduled for November 5.

The proposed 'LIV 2.0' aims for prize funds of around $9 million per event, a reduction from the previous $20 million for individual purses, with plans for at least 10 tournaments focusing on team play. A deadline for players to commit to the restructured league was set by BC Partners, though it may be extended.