Kooyonga Takes LIV Golf to US Court Over 2027 Adelaide Event

Kooyonga Golf Club filed a motion in US bankruptcy court on October 1 demanding LIV Golf confirm by November 6 whether it will host the 2027 Adelaide tournament. South Australian Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis told ABC Radio the event is “looking unlikely” to proceed. LIV Golf filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September after losing financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Why Kooyonga went to court

Kooyonga is set to host LIV Golf Adelaide for the first time from March 18-21, 2027, after four years at The Grange Golf Club. The club filed the motion seeking protection under Chapter 11 bankruptcy law and demanding LIV cover projected costs including out-of-pocket expenses and booking fees. “Under Chapter 11, a company can otherwise take a long time to decide whether to continue with its existing agreements,” Kooyonga said in a statement.

LIV’s financial collapse and restructuring

LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy in September after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund withdrew financial backing. CEO Scott O’Neil is now pursuing a new investment deal with BC Partners that depends on major players signing contracts by around October 13. The proposed LIV 2.0 will operate with vastly reduced prize purses across 10 events annually, with Australia and South Africa as flagship tournaments.

Government and player uncertainty

Treasurer Koutsantonis said Kooyonga was “right to be asking these questions” but stopped short of backing the event. Leading LIV stars Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith remain uncommitted, with Smith telling the Sydney Morning Herald he “needs a few more answers” before deciding. South Australian Greens leader Robert Simms questioned why the government should spend millions redeveloping North Adelaide Golf Course for a tournament “unlikely to go ahead.”

What’s at stake for Adelaide

LIV and South Australia have a deal to stage events through 2031. Kooyonga is set to host once in 2027 before the tournament moves to the $45 million redeveloped North Adelaide Golf Course from 2028. The court is expected to rule on Kooyonga’s motion by November 6, giving the club and government clarity before major planning and spending decisions.

Final Thoughts

Kooyonga’s court filing forces LIV Golf to decide within five weeks whether Adelaide’s 2027 tournament will happen. With the event now officially “unlikely” and major players uncommitted, South Australia faces hard questions about its golf course investment.

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