New york: The PGA Tour CEO has confirmed that the tour is not planning to implement a program that would allow former members to rejoin the competition. This decision effectively closes the door for golfers from LIV Golf, who were hoping to return to compete in the United States, similar to Brooks Koepka's return earlier this year.
According to Thai News Agency, the PGA Tour CEO made this announcement during an online press conference, held just a week after LIV Golf filed for bankruptcy. The CEO emphasized that responsibility and discipline remain core values of the PGA Tour and continue to guide the organization. He stated, "Regarding our current status, we're not considering a welcome-back member program like what you saw in January," while discussing the tour's planned two-division system, set to launch in 2028.
LIV Golf's bankruptcy has put the careers of several prominent golfers in jeopardy, with Major champions Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau among its largest creditors, each owed over $5 million. Previously, Brooks Koepka, a five-time Major champion, took advantage of a limited-time program in January to return to the PGA Tour after leaving LIV Golf in December.
Koepka's return was not without its costs. He forfeited his share of the Player Equity Program's financial benefits for five years, resulting in an estimated loss of between $50 and $85 million USD, subject to his performance and the tour's growth.
The instability surrounding LIV Golf surfaced after Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sole shareholder, announced in April that its investment in the league no longer aligned with its strategy. Consequently, financial support will end after the 2026 season. LIV Golf is currently attempting to restructure and hopes to emerge from bankruptcy by early 2027.