In the world of golf, the once thrilling rivalry between LIV Golf and the PGA tour has begun to lose its lustre. Adding to the daily challenges faced by the newbie league, rumours of top players Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau planning a return to the PGA Tour are causing a stir. Initially, the shift of players from PGA to LIV Golf resulted in suspensions. However, as the novelty wears off, there’s a possibility that the PGA Tour could regain its former tranquility.
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), which supports LIV, is currently in discussions with the PGA Tour regarding a potential merger. Simultaneously, popular golfers on the verge of contract expiration might be poised for a return to the PGA Tour. Noted sports journalists Dan Rapaport and Alan Shipnuck delved into this topic in their recent podcast episode.
Fan-favourites Koepka and DeChambeau, who joined LIV on lucrative contracts, are facing uncertain futures. DeChambeau reportedly signed a $125 million deal, while Koepka secured a contract worth $130 million. With these contracts nearing their end, the potential loss of these major players could be a significant blow to the Saudi-backed tour, considering the substantial viewership they command.
This year brings a certain existential question for LIV Golf. Contracts of key players and captains are due to expire, and the league’s fate could hang in the balance. “This is the existential question of the year,” Shipnuck commented. LIV Golf has attracted several big names, including Dustin Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Sergio Garcia, and Louis Oosthuizen. They also announced the addition of three more stars – Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Patrick Reed – ahead of the league’s Poland Invitational.
Losing Bryson and Brooks would be a massive hit to LIV’s credibility, according to Shipnuck. However, he also noted that LIV would continue as long as it has the backing of His Excellency, despite the potential loss of credibility.
The $300 million contract of Jon Rahm, who joined a year late, extends beyond those of DeChambeau and Koepka. He isn’t part of the conversation about departures yet, but the situation could change in the future.
If DeChambeau and Koepka decide to leave LIV and return to the PGA Tour, it could significantly impact the Saudi-backed Tour. It could be seen as a loss of faith in LIV’s vision and an endorsement of the PGA Tour instead. This move could also influence fans, leaving LIV in a precarious position.
The golfers could also leverage this situation to command higher purses, setting a precedent and reinforcing the perception that players are motivated by money above all else. “They have the leverage now because if they go back to the PGA Tour, it is a death blow to LIV,” Shipnuck added.
The PGA-PIF deal, which is currently in a state of uncertainty, is another key issue. President Trump recently met with PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, player directors Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, and LIV Golf chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the White House. They discussed the possibility of reunification for nearly 4 hours. Despite these discussions, the deal appears to be in the same state as when it was first announced in 2023.
President Trump compared the PGA-PIF deal to some of the complex peace treaties he has tried to broker, indicating its intricacy. The unresolved deal puts players, particularly DeChambeau and Koepka, who are undecided about their next steps, in a difficult position.
As the Masters Tournament approaches, it remains to be seen whether a resolution will be reached, or if the two factions will continue on their separate paths. What’s certain is that the future of LIV Golf hangs in the balance as it faces potential player departures and unresolved deals.