Bill Hobson, a prominent voice in Michigan golf media, has found himself at the center of an access battle with LIV Golf just days before the tour’s event at The Cardinal at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth Township. Hobson, host of the syndicated television program Michigan Golf Live and the Fore Golfers Network podcast, was informed Tuesday that his credential for this weekend’s event had been revoked.
The decision came after Hobson released a podcast interview with former LIV player and current broadcaster Pat Perez, according to The Detroit News.
According to Hobson, LIV Golf officials were displeased with two questions he asked Perez during the 20-plus-minute interview. One addressed the controversy surrounding the tour’s funding by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, while the other touched on the departure of former CEO Greg Norman earlier this year.
Perez, known for his candid personality, answered both questions before moving on to lighter topics about his experience with LIV and the tour’s first visit to Michigan. But Hobson said the pushback was swift once the episode was published Sunday.
“It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, talking about the lack of freedom — talking about the lack of tolerance, all of the things that regime is known for plays a factor in what just took place,” Hobson told The Detroit News. “And it’s super unnecessary. You talk about unforced errors, goodness gracious.”
Hobson, 57, who has worked in broadcasting since his teens and is based in Saginaw, stressed that his intention was never to provoke controversy. “In 26 years, I’d like to think that I’ve developed a reputation for being very fair. I had no desire whatsoever to have anything come out of this except for a fun conversation with a guy I find interesting,” he said.
Instead of full media credentials, LIV Golf offered Hobson general admission grounds passes for the week. Those would have allowed him entry as a fan but without media access to players. Hobson declined and will not attend the championship this weekend.
LIV Golf confirmed the revocation but declined to explain who made the decision. In a statement, the organization said, “LIV Golf values open and honest dialogue with media partners and has welcomed a wide range of perspectives since our inception. We are committed to working with journalists who approach interviews with fairness, integrity, and respect for the players and the sport.”
According to the report, Hobson said he then began fielding a flurry of texts and calls following the publication of the podcast from Outlyr and LIV Golf officials, who asked him to edit out those questions. He refused. They then, Hobson said, offered to get him another guest if he pulled down the podcast. He refused. They then, Hobson said, demanded the podcast come down, and suggested credentials could be revoked if he didn’t. Again, Hobson declined. His credentials were officially revoked Tuesday.
The controversy is not without precedent. LIV Golf has clashed with media outlets in the past, though revoking credentials after they have already been granted is rare.
This is not Hobson’s first tense interaction with the tour. In June, during a radio appearance for WJR 760-AM, he asked LIV CEO Scott O’Neill about the organization’s Saudi backing, drawing noticeable pushback at the time. Despite that, Hobson’s credential was approved for this week’s team championship until the Perez interview reignited friction.
Hobson insisted he never agreed to avoid certain topics in the podcast, although he was given suggested areas of discussion. He said Perez himself later texted support, telling him, “It’ll be fine. I don’t think you were antagonizing in any way. You are entitled to your opinions and thoughts.”
For Hobson, who has covered more than 100 professional golf events nationwide, this marks the first time in his career that his credential has been rescinded. The incident underscores the ongoing tension between LIV Golf’s tightly controlled media strategy and journalists seeking accountability on sensitive issues tied to the tour’s origins and leadership.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox.
This gives me another reason not to watch LIV events.