Staff WriterBy the time the inaugural LIV Golf Louisiana rolls into New Orleans on June 26-28, 2026, the Bayou Oaks South Course will have had more work done to it than a Bourbon Street brass band after Mardi Gras.
The course is being stretched, sharpened, and sculpted under the eye of Greg Norman—who once ran the show at LIV and now returns with a designer’s pencil in place of his shark tooth grin.
The announcement came at a press conference with all the pomp of a French Quarter parade. Governor Jeff Landry, LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois, Senate President Cameron Henry, New Orleans & Company CEO Walt Leger, City Park Conservancy’s Rebecca Dietz, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil, and, naturally, Bubba Watson—two-time Masters winner and RangeGoats GC captain—lined up to make it official: LIV is setting up camp in the Crescent City.
A $40 Million Swing for Louisiana
If you’re wondering whether this is just another golf tournament, the answer is a resounding no.
According to early projections, the event is expected to pump an eye-watering $40 million into the local economy, while supporting over 1,150 jobs. That’s the kind of math even the most stubborn golf purist can appreciate.
“This isn’t just a win for golf fans, it’s a win for all Louisianans,” declared Governor Jeff Landry. “Bringing LIV Golf to New Orleans puts our state on the global map in a bold way, while creating jobs, sparking investment, and giving our people one more reason to be proud of the place we call home.”
Louisiana Economic Development has even inked a Cooperative Endeavour Agreement with LIV Golf to make sure taxpayer dollars aren’t just tossed into the sand trap.
State funding will hinge on economic impact, local business engagement, and ensuring the tournament delivers the kind of world-class spectacle that makes headlines well beyond the Gulf Coast.
“Louisiana is no stranger to the world spotlight, and welcoming LIV Golf is another opportunity to show what makes us an exceptional place to live, work, and do business,” added LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois.
The Festival Meets the Fairway
Of course, this is LIV Golf—so you can expect more than just birdies and bogeys. Ross Hallett, LIV’s Executive Vice President and Head of Events, couldn’t resist leaning into the state’s flair for culture, food, and music.
“We’re incredibly appreciative of the support and enthusiasm the state of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans have shown LIV Golf so far,” Hallett said.
“LIV Golf has always strived to put on events that blend elite golf competitions with world-class entertainment to create a lively, festival-like atmosphere.
Louisiana has always had a deep understanding of how to balance music and culture with premier athletic events, so it feels like a perfect place to expand our global event schedule.”
In other words, expect gumbo with your golf, and a brass band somewhere between the fairways.
Bubba, Bayou, and a Championship Stage
Bubba Watson, Louisiana’s adopted golf son, will undoubtedly be front and centre. A photo from LIV Golf Chicago last year shows him mid-swing, RangeGoats cap on, looking like a man ready to take on his home state gig with more fire than a Cajun crawfish boil.
The upgrades to Bayou Oaks—new bunkers, longer holes, and fan-friendly viewing areas—will make sure the course isn’t just ready for professional play, but ready for fans who prefer their golf served with a side of Southern hospitality.
“We are grateful for the investments that the LIV golf tournament will bring to Bayou Oaks’ championship course,” said Rebecca Dietz, President & CEO of City Park Conservancy.
“We are excited to welcome professional golfers, national and international media, and fans to what we think is one of the most spectacular settings in all of golf.
The planned improvements to the course will not only help us to carry out professional tournaments at the highest level, but will enhance the fan experience as well.”
A Global Stop With Local Flavour
LIV Golf Louisiana will be the 10th confirmed event on LIV’s 2026 calendar, joining a world tour that already includes stops in Riyadh, Adelaide, Singapore, South Africa, Mexico City, Virginia, Andalucía, the UK, and Indianapolis.
More venues are still to be announced, but New Orleans has already staked its claim as the league’s Southern showcase.
Further details on entertainment, hospitality, and ticketing will be released in the coming months, though early bird passes are already available at LIVGolf.com.
For a city that’s made a career out of throwing unforgettable parties, LIV Golf Louisiana promises to be one of the hottest tickets of 2026.
And let’s be honest—where else could you watch Bubba Watson launch a drive while a saxophone solo wafts in from the French Quarter?
