Perspective from the 19^th Hole is the title I chose for my personal blog, which is meant to give me an outlet for one of my favorite crafts – writing – plus to use an image from my favorite sport, golf.  Out of college, my first job was as a reporter for the Daily Astorian in Astoria, Oregon, and I went on from there to practice writing in all my professional positions, including as press secretary in Washington, D.C. for a Democrat Congressman from Oregon (Les AuCoin), as an Oregon state government manager in Salem and Portland, as press secretary for Oregon’s last Republican governor (Vic Atiyeh), and as a private sector lobbyist.  This blog also allows me to link another favorite pastime – politics and the art of developing public policy – to what I write.  I could have called this blog “Middle Ground,” for that is what I long for in both politics and golf.  The middle ground is often where the best public policy decisions lie.  And it is where you want to be on a golf course.

This blog headline applies some uncertainty around a development that, if true, would be good news for me.

If LIV Golf dies, I would be a very satisfied golf fan.

That’s because LIV started and now depends on a questionable funding source – Saudia Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which has engaged in many morally tainted projects.  That reality has made me question the existence of LIV, including the decision made by various PGA Tour players to defect to it.

In Global Golf Post, here is the way writer Ron Green described the situation:

“As the PGA Tour’s $20 million RBC Heritage was coming to life Thursday morning at Harbour Town Golf Links, it was difficult to escape the swirling questions about the future of LIV Golf that have emerged this week.

“Nearly 2,000 miles away in Mexico City, LIV Golf will go on with business as usual this week with its sixth event of the season kicking off Thursday after speculation one day earlier that the rebel league could cease operations immediately.”

But, according to a memo from LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, the LIV season is expected to be played to its completion this year, though several reports still suggest the Saudi Arabian funding could end at some point down the road.

Green also added this:

“This is the latest turbulent twist in LIV Golf’s relatively short existence and raises serious questions about its long-term viability.  According to various reports, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has put approximately $5 billion into the golf league, which has failed to develop any significant traction within the United States.

“The Financial Times reported that, under the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the PIF will reappropriate its vast resources to focus on different areas including domestic projects.  It is believed that means the funding for LIV Golf will end.”

Long-time golf analyst David Feherty disputed the death of LIV, blaming it on reporters who he said went too far to engage in speculation, suggesting that it was “news” when it wasn’t.

Trust him?  Not sure.  After all, he is paid by LIV, which indicates his substantial bias.

With LIV’s future now in serious doubt, talk of the league’s top players potentially returning to the PGA Tour will likely gain momentum as the year goes on.

And, to that, I say, good!

But, at the same time, I would favor exacting a financial price for returning.  Take the approach that was used with player Brooks Koepka and move forward with financial penalties, plus required contributions to major charities.

Post LIV, I hope we could return to the PGA Tour as the beacon of professional golf.  And again, may be best players win.