LIV Golf is expanding its reach into India. Although the formal announcement is due shortly, the 2025 schedule appears to begin with an International Series event at Gurgaon's DLF Golf and Country Club from January 30 to February 2, serving as a prelude to the Riyadh event on February 6.
The buzz surrounding this potential tournament was palpable at the recent Hero Women’s Indian Open. From the greenskeepers to the club members, hushed conversations and inside tips have created a palpable sense of excitement for the upcoming International Series.
Adding fuel to the fire, journalist Joy Chakravarty revealed via the Hindustan Times that US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau is planning to play in India for the first time in his pro career.
Should this materialize, it will be a historic milestone for the region to host a current major champion. Anirban Lahiri, a teammate of DeChambeau's at Crushers GC, has been driving the organizational efforts and mentioned that they are nearly finished, with only a few final logistics to finalize.
Lahiri believes DeChambeau's presence would be a game-changer for the local scene. Between his dominance on the course and his massive social media influence, Bryson has attracted millions of new followers to golf, making him arguably the most famous figure in the sport today.
During the LIV Golf Team Championship in Dallas, DeChambeau admitted to Chakravarty that he's been discussing the move with Lahiri. He expressed his full support for his teammate and a genuine eagerness to visit India, a country that has always intrigued him and fits his desire to be a truly global athlete.
The Crushers GC roster remains unchanged for 2025, with Lahiri staying on as a key member since 2022. Reports suggest that the entire quartet—DeChambeau, Lahiri, Paul Casey, and Charles Howell III—will head to India for the DLF-sponsored event.
The International Series serves as a high-stakes expansion of the Asian Tour, consisting of 10 tournaments with purses typically between $1 million and $2 million. If confirmed, this Indian stop will be the opening act of the 2025 Asian Tour season.
Meanwhile, LIV Golf has announced its second Promotions event, scheduled for December 12–14 at the Riyadh Golf Club. This competition is a golden ticket, offering one full league spot for 2025 and 10 entries into the International Series.
Looking back at 2024, Jon Rahm took home the individual crown in Chicago, while Cameron Smith led the all-Australian Rippers GC to victory in Dallas. With some players being relegated, LIV Golf has opened the door for other top-tier global talent to fight for a spot in the 2025 league and International Series.
The Promotions tournament in Riyadh features a $1.5 million prize pool and consists of four stroke-play rounds packed into three days, with a grueling 36-hole finale. The winner secures a league contract for next year, while the top 10 finishers earn full exemptions for the 2025 International Series.