Topgolf Callaway spilt faces delay, LIV gets Mexico boost

Joaquin Niemann, a top drawcard, the Chilean leads the LIV individual standings. — Reuters

THE separation of Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp will likely be delayed after the head of its Topgolf unit resigned for a role at another company.

A spinoff or sale of Topgolf probably won’t happen until next year after chief executive officer Artie Starrs accepted a CEO offer at another firm, according to a statement. A deal was expected in the second half of this year, Bloomberg reported.

“Artie’s departure does not affect our strategic direction or commitment to separating Topgolf,” Topgolf Callaway Brands CEO Chip Brewer said in the statement. A search for a replacement is underway.

Callaway Golf Co bought Topgolf Entertainment Group in a deal valued at about US$2bil in late 2020.

Elsewhere, LIV Golf, the global golf league energising the sport through team competition and innovative fan experiences, has announced its return to one of Latin America’s most iconic venues.

LIV Golf Mexico City 2026 will be staged from April 17 to 19 at Club de Golf Chapultepec, marking the league’s fourth visit to Mexico, and second to the country’s capital of Mexico City.

The 2025 edition delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the season, with Torque GC captain Joaquin Niemann capturing the individual title and Legion XIII, captained by Spanish star Jon Rahm, sealing a dominant team victory.

The 2026 tournament will once again see 54 of the world’s leading players battle it out across three days of high-energy action in front of one of the league’s most passionate fanbases.

LIV Golf Mexico City will serve as a featured event for Torque GC.

Along with 2025 season points leader Niemann, of Chile, the roster currently boasts Carlos Ortiz of Mexico, Colombia’s Sebastian Munoz and Mito Pereira of Chile, a quartet that has fast become one of the league’s most exciting teams representing the best of Latin American golf.

The event will also feature Mexican star Abraham Ancer of Fireballs GC, led by Spanish legend Sergio Garcia.

With strong regional representation and growing support across the Americas, LIV Golf Mexico City has quickly established itself as a key event on the league’s global calendar.

Ross Hallett, LIV Golf executive vice-president, head of events, said: “Our highly successful Mexico City debut this year reinforced our commitment to one of the world’s great cities where sports, entertainment and culture are on full display.

“The passion and excitement from fans across Mexico and Latin America showed the clear demand that exists to see many of the world’s best athletes in a welcoming and festive environment, and Club de Golf Chapultepec was a fantastic host site for the event.

“As we work together to raise the bar even higher in 2026, next year’s LIV Golf Mexico City event is sure to attract new and returning fans, drive tourism and economic growth in the region, and deliver another unforgettable week for fans of all ages.”