The notion that players who defected to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf league would never return to the PGA Tour is proving inaccurate, with an increasing number of ex-LIV golfers seeking to re-establish themselves on the traditional tour. Within the next five months, as many as five former LIV players could be competing in the PGA Tour's season opener in California.
Brooks Koepka was an early returnee to the PGA Tour, but his performance did not meet expectations. He played 16 times, but struggled with his putting, finishing the season ranked No. 94 in the FedEx Cup standings, a performance he characterized as "pathetic."
Patrick Reed, who opted not to renew his contract with LIV before its 2026 season began, is currently leading the Race to Dubai on the European Tour. He is expected to be among the top 10 players not already exempt who will earn PGA Tour cards for 2027. Reed expressed a desire to "start and finish my career on the PGA Tour."
Other players currently within the top 10 on tour rankings include Eugenio Chacarra, Bernd Wiesberger, and Shaun Norris. All three were part of LIV Golf at its inception in 2022 and have been away from the league long enough to return to the PGA Tour without penalty and without equity stakes.
The PGA Tour is concurrently working to solidify a revamped schedule for 2028 and to develop a postseason format that reintroduces competitive significance to its playoff structure.
LIV Golf is reportedly in a survival mode without direct Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) funding, despite CEO Scott O’Neil's recent announcement of an agreement with a lead investor for "LIV 2.0." The PIF reportedly invested over $5 billion in LIV Golf over five years, primarily to attract star players with lucrative contracts. O'Neil stated that the new investment would offer equity rather than cash, a shift from the league's initial model.
However, details regarding the size of this new investment remain scarce. LIV Golf recently concluded its season in Indianapolis, leaving players to consider their future options, which may include participating in events on the European or Asian Tours.
Cameron Smith indicated a willingness to return to the PGA Tour if it were the sole option, stating, "I mean, if it was the only option, I think that’s where everyone would want to be for sure, 100%." Lucas Herbert's management has also reportedly been in contact with the PGA Tour.
Key figures like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau, who hold significant value to LIV Golf, have expressed interest in playing on both tours. DeChambeau stated, "Personally, I’d love to be able to play events on the PGA Tour, too. I think that’s best for golf. I’d love that. It’s not an either-or mentality. It’s ‘can we do both?’ I think that’s where everybody wants to be."
In January, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp extended an offer to DeChambeau, Smith, and Rahm—major champions since LIV's 2022 launch—to return within a three-week window. None accepted the offer at that time, which predated the current discussions about LIV's financial restructuring.
Other prominent players who previously joined LIV include Tyrrell Hatton and Joaquin Niemann, alongside emerging talent and older players aged 40 and above who may find a return to the PGA Tour's demanding schedule challenging.
The PGA Tour has maintained its position of prioritizing the tour's interests while acknowledging the lingering sentiments among its players following the significant split. The tour has demonstrated its ability to thrive independently of LIV Golf's participation.