LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam says LIV Golf interrupted the game of golf, forced PGA Tour to make changes

With LIV Golf on the brink of extinction, what will its legacy be?

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced it will end its financial backing of LIV Golf at the end of the 2026 season, leaving its long-term future hanging in the balance. LPGA legend Annika Sorenstam said LIV Golf did bring some positives to the sport.

“I mean overall, I think it had some positives but overall I think, you know, not really changed too much,” Sorenstam told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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Annika Sorenstam looks on from the seventh green during the first round of the 2026 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in Orlando, Florida, on Jan. 29, 2026. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

“It certainly interrupted the game of golf,” Sorenstam added with a laugh. “I think that’s why we’re seeing the changes on the PGA Tour.”

The PGA Tour recently announced sweeping changes to its format, and Sorenstam attributed that to LIV Golf.

“I mean they don’t see what they had before LIV was sustainable, apparently, and therefore they have changed a lot of things. The purses have gone up which obviously is great for the players.”

The golf legend said that she loved the money coming into the sport, but didn’t think LIV Golf was set up for long-term success with their business model.

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Annika Sorenstam tees off on the second hole during the PNC Championship at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida, on Dec. 22, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

“I do think that in a way, from the outside it’s always easy to say, but I don’t think anybody thought it was a great business model. There was a lot of money going into the sport, which I welcome, but it didn’t seem like there was a you know a great investment. So I think it was hard to just maintain it,” Sorenstam told Fox News Digital.

“So interesting to see how it folds. This year will be certainly telling. But we’re already seeing players jumping ship and there.”

Sorenstam will play in the American Century Championship from July 10 to 12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe.

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Augusta National Golf Club members Annika Sorenstam and Condoleezza Rice watch the action during the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 5, 2026. (Kyle Terada/Imagn Images)

She is one of the favorites to win the tournament. Sorenstam, who won 72 LPGA Tour tournaments, including 10 majors, during her illustrious career, will raise awareness for the Annika Foundation.

“We try to empower and advance young women through the game of golf, but also in life, different life skills, and it’s been really rewarding and satisfying to see how far women’s golf has come and how many of these young women are pursuing their dreams. It’s been a lot of fun, and just watching the difference we’re making in these young women’s life,” Sorenstam said.

With the Stableford scoring format, Sorenstam talked about needing to be more aggressive, and pursue more birdies and eagles. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

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