LIV Golf strikes deal with ITV to bring free-to-air coverage of 2025 season

Tom McKibbin is tied third after the first round after a strong start on his debut

Tom McKibbin looks on the 18th hole during day one of LIV Golf Riyadh. Photograph: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty
Tom McKibbin looks on the 18th hole during day one of LIV Golf Riyadh. Photograph: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty

LIV Golf has agreed a deal with ITV to show live coverage of the Saudi-funded breakaway’s 2025 season in the UK.

Coverage will begin with the second round of the season-opening event in Riyadh, with 41 rounds of live golf shown across 14 tournaments on ITVX.

Selected rounds will also be shown on ITV1 and ITV4, along with a weekly highlights show on ITV4.

Following a new partnership with Fox Sports in the United States, the agreement means LIV Golf will be the only free-to-air golf in the UK.

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Niall Sloane, director of ITV Sport, said: “This is an exciting time for LIV Golf as we look ahead to the innovative 2025 season.

“This partnership delivers free-to-air coverage for fans in the UK and we are delighted to welcome LIV Golf to ITV Sport.”

The news comes two days after the US Open became the first major championship to offer a direct exemption to a LIV player via the league’s standings.

The leading player, who is not otherwise exempt and is in the top three of the standings on May 19th, will earn a place in the field at Oakmont from June 12-15.

It comes as Irish golfer Tom McKibbin made a strong start on his debut on the tour in Riyadh, with a seven-under-par leaving him in tied third place after the opening round. Adrian Meronk leads on 10 under. Graeme McDowell is on two under.