LIV Golf to Arrive in New Orleans in 2026: New Tournament in the City

LIV Golf League Comes to New Orleans in 2026

The LIV Golf League has announced the addition of a summer tournament in New Orleans for the year 2026. This decision comes after an agreement with the state of Louisiana, which includes a payment of $5 million to the league, in addition to an additional investment of $2.2 million for improvements to the Bayou Oaks golf course, located in City Park.

What an incredible opportunity to announce this on the twentieth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina!
Governor Jeff Landry

The official presentation was attended by LIV Golf officials and player Bubba Watson. New Orleans is already home to the Zurich Classic, a long-standing PGA Tour tournament held at TPC Louisiana. Watson, who grew up about three hours away in Pensacola, Florida, won the Zurich in 2011 and expressed his enthusiasm for playing professionally in New Orleans again.

I am from the Gulf Coast and this is part of my home.
Bubba Watson

Watson showed no concern about the tournament dates at the end of June, a time when heat alerts and thunderstorms are common. In addition, June is within the hurricane season, although at the beginning.

This is the first year, so the date can always be changed if you come here several years. It will be hot in many places in summer. I grew up in the south; I know about the heat. We just prepare for it.
Bubba Watson

This season, a LIV Golf tournament was held in Dallas at the end of June, with daytime temperatures around 90 degrees.

We’ll try it and then we’ll see. Whether we have to adjust the dates after this round, we’ll see. But my goal is for this to be the home of LIV.
Jeff Landry

This year, Louisiana provided economic development funds of approximately $650,000 for marketing and operations of the Zurich Classic. TPC Louisiana also periodically receives state subsidies for improvements to the course and facilities. LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil declined to go into detail about how Louisiana’s $5 million payment to host an event compares to the amount of public funds for events held elsewhere.

All markets are unique. All come with their unique challenges and opportunities.
Scott O’Neil

The organizers estimate that the event will generate around 40 million dollars in economic activity for the local economy. Landry stated that the agreement with New Orleans “gives us the opportunity to invest” in the field and in City Park, which is over 170 years old and 1,300 acres, one of the largest urban parks in the United States.

This is a public property. This area needs revitalization.
Jeff Landry

Landry doesn’t play golf and said he generally hasn’t attended professional tournaments, partly because fans are expected to be quiet. LIV encourages a more lively fan experience than its rival PGA Tour.