INTERVIEW: Ben Hook - 10 September 2026
Summary
The FIVEAA Sports Show discusses the collapse of LIV Golf into bankruptcy, featuring guest Ben Hook from the Hooked on Sports podcast. The conversation analyzes the US Chapter 11 filing, the critical October 14 deadline for player contracts, and the difficulty of convincing top stars like Cameron Smith and Jon Rahm to accept equity deals over guaranteed payouts. The hosts also explore the impact on Australian golf, noting that venues like Kooyonga may lose professional events due to reduced funding and the PGA Tour's reluctance to accept defectors.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Live Golf bankruptcy and Ben Hook's background
Initial reaction and the difference between US and Australian bankruptcy
The October 14 deadline and player contract obligations
Player debt figures and the shift to equity deals
Explaining Chapter 11 and the New Jersey shell company strategy
Player incentives and the risk of unsecured creditor status
Board governance issues and the 52% equity offer caveats
The difficulty of returning to the PGA Tour and European Tour
The unsustainable business model and sponsor reliance
The future of the Adelaide event and reduced format
Negotiations with Koonga Golf Club and payment defaults
Impact on Adelaide's classic golf courses and professional events
Individual player futures: Lucas Herbert, Cameron Smith, and Marc Leishman
World rankings points and the challenge of finding other tours
Conclusion and final thoughts on Live Golf's path forward
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