Some refuse to return to the PGA Tour, others hint at retirement, and a few are already moving to protect themselves. With the end of LIV Golf’s financial backing looming, players are revealing their true feelings and plans. The era of massive money that created a “new order” may be coming to a close, shaking up the golf world once again.
“The fines from the PGA Tour would be too high,” one player said.
Late last year and into early this year, the big news in American golf was Brooks Koepka leaving LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour. At that time, PGA Tour CEO Jay Monahan offered a special “Returning Member Program” with conditions for reentry to Koepka, Cameron Smith, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, with a deadline of February 2. But all three—Smith, DeChambeau, and Rahm—turned down the offer and chose to stay with LIV Golf.
However, just three months later in April, the situation around LIV Golf changed dramatically. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) officially announced it would end support after 2026. This left questions: Can LIV Golf survive after 2027? Will it disappear? And what will happen to its players? Speculation is rampant.
Now, the three players who rejected the PGA Tour’s offer are reacting in very different ways, reflecting their personalities.
Bryson DeChambeau played in the Virginia event, the first tournament after PIF’s announcement. Photo: Getty Images
Cameron Smith, known for his calm and friendly nature, said, “I believe LIV Golf will survive. So I’m not thinking about returning to the PGA Tour.” His words suggest loyalty to LIV Golf.
On the other hand, Jon Rahm, who often makes self-centered moves, suddenly announced he had agreed to pay all his accumulated fines from the DP World Tour—something he had refused to do before. His change of heart? Officially, it’s to play in the Ryder Cup, but really it’s about securing his future playing options. He’s clearly eyeing a path back to the PGA Tour via the DP World Tour. His actions show self-preservation over loyalty.
Now, what about DeChambeau, the biggest star in LIV Golf? He hopes LIV Golf finds new investors and survives. But if not, he said, “The fines from the PGA Tour would be too high.” He’d rather not return, and would only play the four majors as long as he qualifies. He’s focusing on growing his successful YouTube channel and its golf league into a new tour.
“I’d rather quit golf than go back to the PGA Tour,” some say.
These three LIV Golf stars are each deciding their own paths, but what about other LIV players? Since the PIF funding cut was reported, many have called the PGA and DP World Tours to ask about returning. But not all want to go back.
Ian Poulter, who was openly hostile to the PGA and DP World Tours when LIV started, still believes in LIV and wants it to survive. He excitedly talked about the South Africa and Virginia events, saying “huge crowds showed up, it was amazing.” He argued that the franchised LIV teams are profitable: “10 teams are in the black. This will definitely become a business.”
“Over the past five years, we’ve faced headwinds from day one but we’ve worked hard and evolved. PIF’s support will end, but we’ll be free of restrictions. CEO Scott O’Neil will now show his true ability,” Poulter said.
However, Poulter’s business outlook is too optimistic, some say. “I trust the business pros to handle our finances. If a few PGA Tour players join us, TV rights and ratings will improve.” But who would join now?
Poulter, who turned 50 this January, said if LIV Golf ends, “I don’t need to play anymore. If I retire, I don’t have to pay fines to the PGA or DP World Tours. I’ve earned enough money to live on. I’ve been smart with it.” He’s earned over $11 million from LIV and over $28 million from the PGA Tour before that—enough for a comfortable retirement.
Even players like Poulter, not major champions or top stars, have made significant money. Many lesser-known players who’ve been with LIV for 4-5 years likely have enough for their later years.
Thomas Pieters of Belgium said publicly, “If LIV Golf disappears, I’ll retire.” Anirban Lahiri of India also revealed, “Many LIV players say they’d rather quit golf than go back to the PGA Tour.”
These statements—”I’d rather retire than return”—likely irritate PGA Tour players who already have mixed feelings about their return. But PGA Tour CEO Jay Monahan is staying cool.
Regarding LIV’s future, he said, “I don’t know more than what’s reported.” About players returning, he was clear: “We’ve received some inquiries. But most LIV players have contracts that run beyond 2027. Until those contracts expire and they can actually return, we won’t spend time or resources discussing their return.”
Rory McIlroy, a leading PGA Tour player, echoed Monahan. “They still have contracts with LIV, and LIV won’t disappear tomorrow. I’ve always been critical of players who moved to LIV, and I’ll stay that way. But if LIV really disappears, players who say they won’t return to the PGA Tour might end up on the DP World Tour. If that strengthens the DP World Tour, that’s good for me as a European. And if they truly want to come back to the PGA Tour, we should treat it as a business and openly discuss the process.”
McIlroy’s mature approach, despite his dislike, is notable.
