LIV Golf players are expected to be informed that the Saudi Public Investment Fund will raise funds at the end of 2026.
The Tour will be looking to secure alternative funding for next season and beyond, which will be a difficult task given LIV has posted significant losses in previous seasons.
advertisement
Meanwhile, LIV’s Louisiana shows will be postponed until the tour finds new funding, leaving a gap of nearly two months between major mid-season LIV events.
With so much uncertainty, many players are eyeing the exit.
Photo by: Sarah Reid/Getty Images
LIV golfer could aim for return to PGA Tour and DP World Tour
If LIV goes under, there will be a mass exodus of players to the PGA Tour. Bryson DeChambeau has already been spotted talking with PGA Tour officials about his options for the Masters, but he’s not alone.
Two big-name players have already jumped ship: Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed. Koepka has agreed to a deal with the PGA Tour to return this year. Meanwhile, Reed is serving one season on the DP World Tour while serving a one-year suspension.
advertisement
According to a Monday Q report that broke the news of PIF’s suspension of funding two weeks ago, one “top LIV player” believes 15 to 20 players could potentially return through the PGA or DP World Tour.
The source is anonymous and it is not yet clear which players will be allowed to return. But looking at LIV Golf’s roster, it’s not hard to predict who appointed CEO Brian Rolup will welcome back.
Players likely to return to the PGA Tour if LIV disbands
If there are indeed 15 to 20 players to be welcomed back to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, a look at the roster will give you a pretty clear idea of who those names are.
advertisement
First, those who will be allowed to return directly to the PGA Tour. Under a modified returning roster program like the one Koepka received, only big names would be allowed to return directly.
If Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are willing to accept their contracts, there’s no doubt they’ll be cleared to return soon. Their names carry so much weight in the golf world that the Tour will soon benefit from their presence.
Depending on how well received by Lorup, Tyrrell Hatton, Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann could be signed to the B-list for the LIV tour. Or you can follow Reed’s path and join the DP World Tour for a year before coming back.
No other players are likely to be cleared to return to the PGA Tour, but the DP World Tour is likely to welcome players like Tom McKibbin and Josel Ballester. A young international player who has the potential to increase the talent level on tour.
advertisement
It would be an easy enough decision for the DP World Tour, but deciding on the future of the old guard will be even more difficult. What to do with Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and others?
If you expect 15 to 20 players to return, you would imagine they would be part of that. The biggest issue is whether the two sides can iron out their differences and come to an agreement. They will have to swallow their pride if they have any chance of competing in the Ryder Cup again.
