S E25: Thomas Friedman on Saudi Arabia, LIV and the $2 Billion Gamble about to fall apart

S E25: Thomas Friedman on Saudi Arabia, LIV and the $2 Billion Gamble about to fall apart

Author: Big Swing Media April 22, 2026 Duration: 33:03
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Friedman joins Jimmy Roberts on The Big Swing to break down the business, politics, and global strategy behind LIV Golf, the PGA Tour, and the future of the game. From Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) to the economics of sports investment, this conversation goes far beyond headlines — diving into why LIV Golf may have been a flawed business model from the very beginning, and what its potential collapse means for players, fans, and the entire golf industry. With billions invested and no clear path forward, is LIV Golf sustainable? Or was it always destined to fail? In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, we cover:Why LIV Golf “never made sense” as an investmentThe real strategy behind Saudi Arabia’s sports expansionHow the PGA Tour was forced to respond to disruptionWhether LIV Golf can survive without continued fundingWhat happens to players, sponsors, and the global golf ecosystem nextWhy “nobody wins” from the current state of professional golf LIV Golf has already changed the landscape of professional golf — from player movement and prize money to media rights and global investment. But if LIV disappears… what’s left behind? This episode explores the ripple effects across the PGA Tour, the global golf economy, and the future of sports investment and media. If you care about golf, sports business, or where the industry is headed next — this is a conversation worth your full attention. 🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday ▶️ Watch on YouTube | 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 Airing on Golf Channel every Tuesday The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts is produced by Big Swing Media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by sixteen-time Emmy winner and broadcasting legend Jimmy Roberts, The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts goes far beyond the fairway. This isn't just another sports interview series; it's a deep exploration of the powerful forces and fascinating personalities driving the modern golf industry. Each episode features an intimate, one-on-one conversation with the executives, celebrities, and elite athletes who are actively shaping the game's future, from groundbreaking deals and major investments to the cultural trends redefining the sport. You'll hear candid stories and gain unparalleled access to the boardrooms and backstories behind the headlines. Presented by Big Swing Media, this podcast delivers a unique blend of sports, business, and insider perspective, offering listeners a sophisticated look at where the game is headed next. Tune in for thoughtful dialogues that reveal the strategy and passion fueling golf's biggest swings, both on and off the course.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 27

The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts
Podcast Episodes
S E29: How AI is Changing Golf Forever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:17
AI is changing golf faster than almost anyone realizes. In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with members of the Big Swing Media team to break down the biggest trends shaping the future of the game —…
S E28: Jack Nicklaus Walked Away From Millions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
Jack Nicklaus turned down millions, and he’s completely at peace with it. In this episode of The Big Swing, Jimmy Roberts sits down with golf legend Jack Nicklaus to explore the business side of one of the greatest caree…
S E24: How DraftKings Turned an Idea Into BILLIONS | Jason Robins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:00
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins joins Jimmy Roberts to break down the business of sports betting, fantasy sports, and the future of golf wagering. From startup beginnings to a multi-billion dollar company, this is a deep div…
S E23: The Masters Stories & Secrets | Jimmy Roberts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:39
Jimmy Roberts shares his experiences covering The Masters, one of the most iconic events in golf, in a rare sit-down interview with Executive Producer Adrienne Gallagher. From unforgettable moments at Augusta National to…
S E22: GOLFZON Is QUIETLY Taking Over Golf [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:29
GOLFZON is one of the largest indoor golf companies in the world, powering thousands of simulator locations and reshaping how people play the game. CEO of GOLFZON America, Sean Pyun, joins Jimmy Roberts to explain how go…
S E21: Why YouTube Golf Is BEATING Traditional Golf | Grant Horvat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:08
Grant Horvat has built one of the most-watched brands in golf without ever playing a PGA Tour event, and the numbers behind his growth are changing how the entire sport thinks about media, sponsorship, and what fans actu…
S E18: "I Was Ready to Lose It All." | Tisha Alyn Gets REAL [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:30
Tisha Alyn didn’t reach the heights she once dreamed of as a touring professional golfer. Instead, she built something entirely different. In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts, Tisha shares how she pivoted…