LIV Golf Pros Might Come Back if League Ends
As the future of LIV Golf hangs in the balance, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolup shared his thoughts about players potentially returning to the PGA Tour. In an interview on Monday’s “Pat McAfee Show,” he mentioned Brooks Koepka specifically, who reportedly expressed his readiness to return now that his contract with LIV has concluded.
“Brooks called me,” Rolup said, “and said, ‘My contract is up and I’m ready to come back.’ So, that’s something we’re considering.” His focus seems directed toward enhancing the PGA Tour, hinting at an openness to changes that could lead to improvements. “My job is to make the PGA Tour better, and I’m interested in anything that contributes to that,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to the sport.
Recently, the subject of LIV players’ return has gained traction. Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) might withdraw its financial backing for LIV Golf, which would be a significant blow. Just last year, this support allowed LIV to lure big names like Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Bryson DeChambeau away from the PGA Tour with lucrative contracts.
At this point, LIV Golf is expected to continue through the remaining eight events of the current season, but anything beyond that seems questionable. “We’re following the same news you are,” Rolup noted, admitting the uncertainty surrounding the situation. “They have contracts, and we respect that.”
In a twist, Koepka recently donated $5 million to charity, which led to his disqualification from the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program—a move that could have brought him between $50 million and $85 million. Meanwhile, Patrick Reed, another golfer from LIV wanting to compete again on the PGA Tour, faces a year-long wait until August, following his last LIV event.
The situation is even murkier regarding Rahm and DeChambeau. DeChambeau, who has found success with his YouTube channel, might be less motivated to return. He is reportedly meeting with various organizations during the Masters and, according to sources, is looking for a deal around $500 million as his current contract is set to expire at the season’s end.
Rahm has also had his share of controversies, like accusing Europe’s DP World Tour of “blackmail” related to eligibility for the Ryder Cup. If a return to the PGA involves costs like what Koepka faced, it raises questions about whether Rahm would be willing to make that sacrifice.
All of this certainly complicates things for Rolup. If LIV doesn’t find a way to continue, he may find himself having to navigate several tricky situations.
