City Park to renovate golf course ahead of LIV tournament

Catch up quick: Gov. Jeff Landry joined city, state and athletics officials last August to announce the upcoming tournament after lawmakers agreed to take on the cost of the park's renovations and another $5 million in fees paid directly to LIV, the Louisiana Illuminator reports.

Between the lines: LIV Golf is backed by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, and critics say the country uses golf to boost its global image, Axios has reported.

Zoom in: The organization brings a party-like atmosphere to a traditionally staid sport with splashy events and high-level athletes on its courses.

• "It's a party. It's an entertainment mecca that actually is born for the city of New Orleans," Landry said last August. "It's like Jazz Fest with golf clubs."
• There's a ticket waitlist for the June 26-28 event.

What's next: City Park expects the course renovations to be complete by the end of March, but a grow-in period means reopening won't be until late April.

• During the closure, golfers won't be able to access the driving range, though the South and North courses will be available for play, a press release says.
• Improvements will include drive range surface regrading, drainage updates, professional practice tees, new turf, a new practice area and other enhancements on the South Course.