PGA Tour boss issues crystal clear message to LIV Golf players

The chief executive of the PGA Tour has indicated LIV Golf players won't be granted any special favours after the league filed for bankruptcy.

LIV filed a Chapter 11 petition on 8 September, days after laying off more than 90 per cent of its workforce.

The breakaway league says it has found a new investor in BC Partners, following the decision in April by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to pull its funding.

But whether or not the league will be operational next year remains to be seen, with the proposed transaction reportedly hinging on a certain number of players committing to a 2.0 structure. 

The developments in recent months have sparked chatter that a host of LIV stars and major champions, such as Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith and Bryson DeChambeau, are seeking an exit. 

Rahm told reporters last week before the Irish Open that he is willing to honour his initial contract and remain tight-lipped on his future when he was pressed on the subject again before the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The Spaniard had the opportunity to rejoin the PGA Tour in January after the North American circuit created a returning-member programme to accommodate Brooks Koepka.

But PGA Tour boss Brian Rolapp stated that there are no plans to open up that pathway again, indicating that the likes of Rahm will have to play and earn their way back.

"As I said a few weeks ago in Atlanta, there are really three things when it comes to anyone who wants to compete on the PGA Tour," Rolapp told reporters.

"One, the PGA Tour is built on meritocracy. Every player, whether they are a member or want to become one, must earn their place.

"Two, we are a membership organisation; we have rules, and those rules exist for lots of reasons, including fairness and competitive balance. Rules matter, and they must be enforced.

"Which brings me to number three, accountability and discipline.

"These are essential elements for any sports league and are certainly [essential] for the integrity of the PGA Tour and the sport.

"It's what holds the Tour together. Those are guiding principles for us.

"In terms of where we are today, we are not currently contemplating a returning-member programme like the one you saw in January."

Rolapp's comments come as the PGA Tour unveiled membership criteria for its 2028 format shake-up.

In two years' time, the PGA Tour will be split into a Championship and Challenger Series.

Players will switch levels at the end of the season based on their performance.

Golfers can also earn automatic promotion from the second division if they win more than once.

It is also yet to be determined how many spots in the Championship Series will be available to DP World Tour members.

Currently, the leading 10 players in the Race to Dubai earn PGA Tour cards for the following campaign.

Masters champion Rory McIlroy played down concerns that the number hasn't been determined. 

Tommy Fleetwood agreed with his Ryder Cup team-mate.

Rolapp said: "We have not determined what the DP World Tour cards will be, as of yet."

"That's under discussion. I don't see any scenarios where there's no Championship Series cards."