Golf Wars: LIV and Golf's Bitter Battle for Power and Identity

by Iain Carter

The enthralling inside story of the battle ripping golf apart, as disclosed by the sport's most powerful figures and biggest stars.

For the past few years the battle for the future of professional golf has been blazing. The Saudi-backed organisation LIV Golf has struck at the very heart of the golfing establishment, seizing some of its best players and setting up rival tournaments. Lead by golf legend Greg Norman, it has enticed the likes of Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, parking its tanks on the manicured greens of the traditional game. With LIV now in its second season and little sign of the struggle abating, BBC Golf Correspondent Iain Carter delivers the fascinating – and ongoing – story of a sporting rebellion.

Golf Wars interviews the key players, both on the course and in the boardroom, to explore how the PGA and other traditional organizations are fighting back. Carter covers every twist and turn and speaks to influential figures including Rory McIlroy, Jay Monahan, Greg Norman, Keith Pelley and Ian Poulter.

Through expert analysis of all sides of this bitter conflict, Iain Carter reveals how the enthralling saga is unfolding and what it means for the future of golf. Has the controversial Saudi Arabian state just bought the game? Is LIV just a sportwashing series of glitzy exhibition tournaments? Or is it a welcome challenge to the golfing hegemony and a long-awaited refresh of tired traditions?

272 pages, Hardcover

Published May 14, 2024

Reviews

[Ryan Stoffield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book I’ve read about the LIV PGA tour divide. I enjoyed how Carter presented it throughout the majors and Ryder cup. Similar to the other book I read, the author carried on with pointless cheap shots at President Trump unrelated to the real issues in professional golf.

[Simon Dane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m invested in this story having followed it since LIV gatecrashed the golfing party. Enjoyed Iain Carter’s balanced and measured recording of events and particularly the epilogue that sets out hope and opportunity for the future of the game. I hope, like Iain, that common sense prevails but stakes and emotions and self orientation alas remain high.

[Jeff Platsky · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the journalism world, this book is no more than a notebook dump, gathering the assembled scribblings during a year - albeit a momentous year - on the golf beat. Few, if any, startling revelations, no deep analysis from a man with 20 years on the beat. I expected more. This is nothing more than a diary of a year in the life of a veteran golf writer. Given the tumult caused by the Saudi involvement in professional golf, there is, I think, far more to be told.

[Andrew Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent explanation of this very confusing subject, nice format using the majors and ryder cup to bring it to life. only downside it just shows Money is the only thing that matters in sport now

[Connor Nodell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A precise and encapsulating look at the crossroads in golf, told in a thorough but efficient 9 holes, rather than 18 on foot.