The golf world is abuzz with skepticism as several top-ranked players, including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Collin Morikawa, have either withdrawn from or skipped multiple PGA Tour events in 2025. While injuries and scheduling conflicts are cited as reasons, some fans and analysts are questioning whether the absences are tied to the unresolved PGA Tour and LIV Golf merger deal.
Social media speculation sparks debate
Prominent golf analyst ProGolfCritic (PGC) stoked the flames on social media, suggesting that top players might be holding out until the PGA-LIV agreement is finalized.
“I had heard unsubstantiated rumors that some top players were going to hold out of tournaments until this deal got done,” PGC posted on X.
PGC further pointed out the conspicuous absences of the world’s top four players from early 2025 PGA Tour events, saying:
“So now Scottie, Rory, Xander & Morikawa have either not played/WD’d from 2025 PGAT events. They are currently 1-2-3-4 in OWGR. Purely coincidental I’m sure.”
The PGA-LIV deadlock
The PGA Tour and LIV Golf announced a framework agreement in June 2023, aiming to unify professional golf under one structure. However, progress has stalled, with no concrete resolutions after months of optimistic statements from leaders on both sides. Speculation abounds that disagreements over money, power, and control are delaying the deal, fueling uncertainty across the sport.
The other side of the debate
Not everyone is buying into the conspiracy theories. CBS golf commentator Colt Knost quickly dismissed the rumors, citing recent appearances by Morikawa and Schauffele at The Sentry and Sony Open as evidence.
“These are false rumors. Morikawa and Schauffele have already played this year. Scheffler is genuinely injured,” Knost asserted.
Knost’s defense highlights the chaotic nature of the current golf landscape, where uncertainty and speculation thrive.
A turbulent time for golf
Over the past few years, the divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf has created an unprecedented level of tension and chaos in the sport. With no definitive resolution in sight, even the smallest actions—or inactions—by top players are scrutinized and theorized.
While there’s no concrete evidence that these withdrawals are connected to the merger talks, the optics are undoubtedly fueling intrigue. As fans wait for clarity on the future of professional golf, the absence of its biggest stars only adds to the drama.
What’s next?
As the golf world continues to navigate this uncertain period, the focus will remain on the players’ schedules and performances. Whether these withdrawals are coincidental or indicative of larger forces at play, one thing is certain: the 2025 season will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the sport’s history.
