Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked male golfer from the U.S., has stated that LIV Golf players should face consequences if they want to return to the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Tour.
Scheffler shared his thoughts on the potential comeback of LIV Golf players during a press conference for the PGA Tour BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, on Thursday.
LIV Golf, which launched in 2022, faced backlash for poaching star players from the PGA Tour. The league later entered merger talks with the PGA Tour but is now facing an uncertain future as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to end its financial backing after this year.
If LIV Golf folds, its players may seek to rejoin the PGA Tour. Scheffler indicated he’s not entirely opposed to their return, but with a caveat.
There needs to be a price paid, Scheffler emphasized. LIV Golf has some incredibly talented players, and he’d love to compete against them. However, he believes there should be some form of penalty for those looking to come back.
On the same day, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland took an even tougher stance. McIlroy has been a vocal critic of players defecting to LIV Golf since its inception.
McIlroy speculated that while the PGA Tour and LIV Golf might eventually merge, he questioned the value LIV Golf players could bring to the PGA Tour.
He stressed that even if LIV Golf players return to the PGA Tour, they shouldn’t expect a warm welcome. The path back will be extremely challenging.
In related news, LIV Golf Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Scott O’Neil announced plans to host five tournaments outside the U.S. and five within the country in 2027.
O’Neil mentioned he has been in talks with potential investors for LIV Golf but didn’t disclose any names.
Local media outlets suggest that the investment firm BC Partners could be a key investor.