PGA Tour players deliver brutal verdict on LIV Golf stars' potential return: 'Go back to Q-School'

Former LIV Golf stars could face a seriously uncomfortable route back to the PGA Tour, with current members making it clear that a return to the circuit should come at a price.

Erik van Rooyen delivered perhaps the most brutal response when Golfweek asked players about the future of LIV Golf's biggest names at the WWT Championship in Mexico.

His message was simple.

“Go back to Q-school.”

With LIV Golf now dead, attention has turned to where its biggest names go next. 

Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau all have a route to the DP World Tour in 2027, while Dustin Johnson, Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann are likely to rely on tournament invitations. 

But a return to the PGA Tour is a much more complicated proposition.

While the return of golf's biggest names would undoubtedly boost the PGA Tour, not everyone is prepared to welcome them back with open arms.

Van Rooyen believes those who walked away should have to fight their way back into the system.

“We were told initially that if you played LIV, you would be banned from the PGA Tour, and the story just kept changing,” the South African told Golfweek.

“They gave the finger to the Tour. If you're that good, go get it done.”

The 2023 WWT Championship winner also questioned why former LIV players should retain privileges that others have spent years working to secure.

“I have nothing against those players, but if I went home and played the Sunshine Tour for three or four years, I'm not being welcomed back with my old spot on the PGA Tour,” he added.

Former Masters champion Adam Scott appears to share that sentiment, insisting that returning players should have to prove themselves again.

“I think the fairest thing is that they all re-establish themselves in the system that they want to go to,” Scott told Today's Golfer.

“They left and gave up those privileges. So, you know, I think they should re-qualify themselves.”

PGA Tour stars divided over LIV Golf return

Not every player is demanding the same punishment.

Lucas Glover acknowledged the devastating impact LIV Golf's collapse could have on employees, but believes the players who defected should still face consequences.

“A lot of people lost their jobs, people with families and bills to pay, so, from a human being standpoint, it sucks,” Glover said.

However, he added: “I do think penalties need to be served.”

Glover would nevertheless welcome the return of stars such as Rahm and DeChambeau, provided they satisfy the PGA Tour's requirements.

“If they meet the criteria to come back, sure,” he said. “It makes the Tour more appealing.”

Camilo Villegas, a member of the Tour's Policy Board, was more guarded, refusing to reveal his position ahead of an upcoming board meeting.

Peter Malnati, meanwhile, believes LIV Golf's downfall was inevitable.

“It didn't take too much to see that that wasn't a viable economic model,” he said.

Malnati, who is in contention at the WWT Championship, also suggested the PGA Tour had emerged stronger from the battle, despite the disruption caused by LIV Golf's arrival.

Rahm, DeChambeau and co face uncertain future

LIV Golf's demise leaves many of its leading players searching for their next destination.

Several, including Rahm, Hatton and Garcia, retain full DP World Tour status, while others such as Niemann and Johnson will be reliant on invites. 

The PGA Tour is a different matter, with returning players facing suspension periods and eligibility hurdles.

Garcia made clear to GolfMagic this week that he would be interested in a return, despite his acrimonious departure in 2022.

Whether the PGA Tour chooses to welcome its former rebels back, impose penalties or demand a fresh qualifying campaign remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: the red carpet is not being rolled out for everyone.

And if van Rooyen gets his way, the biggest names in LIV Golf will have to start from scratch.