American outlet Front Office Sports reported that an anonymous high-ranking executive involved with LIV Golf said that “every remaining tournament is on the fence”, alluding to fears that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has already pulled the plug on the breakaway league.
This is despite four tournaments left on the calendar. But speaking to CNBC on Tuesday, O’Neil remained positive.
“I can say they’ve been terrific partners so far,” he said.
“And you have to take an incredible organisation like PIF at their word. They’ve been very public about funding us through the season, so we are full steam ahead. The players are locked in. The management team is locked in.
“We have incredible business momentum. What we don’t have is a lot of time. So we’re very urgently out there talking to those who are interested. We like the pool, but we have to get this done through the summer.”
However, when asked directly whether the remaining four events would proceed, he was evasive.
“What I can guarantee is a heck of a return if you come invest in this business,” he quipped.
O’Neil later added that he had five meetings with prospective investors this week, with another 18 more scheduled for later dates.
