Clear route back? PGA Tour star explains LIV player pathway after shock reports

Maverick McNealy believes there is already a “natural” route back to the PGA Tour for LIV Golf players — and it doesn’t require any rule changes.

Speaking in the wake of reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) could withdraw its financial backing of LIV Golf beyond the 2026 season, the PGA Tour player director pointed to existing qualification routes as the most likely bridge for any returning players.

“If we follow the rules and regs, yes [there is a pathway back],” McNealy told Golf Channel after finishing tied 16th at the RBC Heritage. 

“A lot of players would have to go through our qualifying system — whether that’s Q-School or playing their way on via the DP World Tour or Korn Ferry Tour.”

The PGA Tour star also emphasised that the current system is already designed to identify and reward the best players in the world, suggesting no special treatment would be necessary.

“I think our pathways are really good at identifying the best players in the world. If those guys really are the best players in the world, they’ll have a spot on this tour,” he added. 

McNealy, 30, also highlighted that certain players may already be close to securing a return under existing criteria. 

Patrick Reed, for example, is on track to regain PGA Tour status through his performances on the DP World Tour, where a top-10 finish in the season standings would be enough to earn his card.

After quitting LIV Golf earlier this season, Reed has taken full advantage of his Lifetime Membership of the DP World Tour and played numerous events in 2026. 

He's made good use of them too, winning twice at the Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters earlier in the year. 

Reed's suspension with the PGA Tour ends in August, so he will be eligible to make a full return to the main circuit then. 

McNealy's latest comments come as uncertainty continues to swirl around LIV Golf’s long-term future. 

Multiple reports over recent days have claimed the PIF — the league’s primary financial backer — will completely cut funding of the league past 2026.

LIV CEO Scott O’Neil has since revealed the circuit is funded for the current season, while efforts continue to secure its long-term business model.

McNealy, however, is cautious not to overreact to speculation.

“I didn’t see it coming. It’s all a rumour and we don’t know how much merit there is to it,” said the world number 30. 

“There was nothing happening earlier that made me think it was going to end. That said, it’s gone on longer than I thought it would.”

Despite the noise, the American insisted the situation has had little immediate impact on life on the PGA Tour, with players remaining focused on the competition in front of them.

“My immediate reaction is it doesn’t really change life out here. We’ve just put our head down and kept putting on great golf tournaments.”

As one of six player directors on the PGA Tour Enterprises policy board, McNealy also echoed the Tour’s broader stance of prioritising its own product rather than reacting to developments elsewhere.

“We’re just trying to figure out what the best tournaments are for us. We have the best players, the best venues, the best fans and media partners. We’re just trying to strengthen that.”

While speculation continues over how a weakened or restructured LIV Golf could influence the wider professional landscape, McNealy downplayed the likelihood of sweeping changes to the PGA Tour schedule.

“I think we’re pretty close to where we want to be,” he said. 

“You’re not going to see huge, drastic changes. We’re the best tour in the world and we put on the best tournaments — it would be crazy to blow that up. We’re just making tweaks to make it better.”

One notable change has already been confirmed by the PGA Tour with the scrapping of the circuit's Hawaii Swing.