PGA Tour ‘thinking about’ LIV Golf player return route as uncertainty grows over league’s future

Fresh uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of LIV Golf has intensified speculation over a potential return pathway to the PGA Tour for some of the game’s biggest names.

Widespread reports last week suggested the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is set to withdraw its financial backing of LIV Golf beyond the 2026 season. If confirmed, the breakaway circuit would face a significant funding gap from 2027 onwards — raising serious questions about its viability.

That uncertainty has quickly fuelled talk of a possible PGA Tour comeback for several LIV Golf stars, none bigger than Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. 

While Rahm remains under contract beyond the current season, DeChambeau’s deal is set to expire at the end of 2026, potentially opening the door for a return.

The PGA Tour has already tested the waters with a formal pathway back. 

Brooks Koepka, who quit LIV Golf at the end of 2025, rejoined the PGA Tour earlier this season under a ‘Returning Membership’ program introduced by CEO Brian Rolapp. The initiative allowed LIV players who had won a major championship or The Players Championship since 2022 to apply for immediate reinstatement.

However, that program is no longer active. The deadline to apply passed on 1 February, meaning players such as Rahm, DeChambeau and Cameron Smith missed their opportunity under original terms.

Koepka remains the only player to have taken up the offer. The five-time major champon's return came with conditions, including a reported $5 million charitable contribution and the requirement to work his way back into the Tour’s Signature Events.

While the window has now closed, the PGA Tour could of course revisit or extend the program if it chooses to reintroduce a route back for LIV players — especially in light of the latest uncertainty surrounding the rival league.

Last week's developments have since prompted renewed calls for the PGA Tour to act decisively, especially where LIV Golf's two superstar players are concerned. 

Both Rahm and DeChambeau have won the last four tournaments on LIV Golf. Rahm captured his fourth career title on LIV Golf with a decisive six-stroke victory in Mexico on Sunday. DeChambeau, meanwhile, withdrew through injury ahead of the final round. 

Some analysts believe the PGA Tour should now be proactively engaging LIV players amid the growing instability.

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Rolapp offered little clarity on the PGA Tour’s immediate plans but acknowledged the situation remains under close consideration.

Pressed on whether the PGA Tour would offer a direct route back for LIV players — similar to Koepka’s pathway in February — Rolapp stopped short of making any commitments.

“I think we’re thinking about it,” said Rolapp. 

“We’re reading all the same headlines you’re reading. We don’t know what’s going on over there [at LIV Golf].”

Rolapp emphasised that the Tour would respect existing LIV contracts and suggested any future decisions would be reactive rather than proactive.

“Those guys are under contract and we’ll respect that. Brooks came back because he made a phone call and said, ‘I’m out of my contract, I’m ready to come back.’ So we are thinking about it. We’ll react when we have an opportunity to react.”

Rolapp concluded by reiterating that his primary focus remains strengthening the PGA Tour.

“I’m interested in whatever makes the PGA Tour better. That’s my job, and that has no limit.”

Watch his comments here:

While Rolapp’s comments offered little in the way of concrete action, they suggest the PGA Tour is, for now, adopting a wait-and-see approach rather than aggressively pursuing LIV players to make a return. 

For the time being, it remains business as usual on the PGA Tour schedule. 

This week sees the Zurich Classic of New Orleans — the Tour’s only official team event — take place at TPC Louisiana.

Koepka will compete alongside Shane Lowry, while Matt Fitzpatrick enters the event fresh from victory at the RBC Heritage, partnering his brother Alex Fitzpatrick.

A total of 80 two-man teams will tee it up, with the top 33 and ties progressing beyond the halfway cut in a format combining fourballs and foursomes.