PGA Tour CEO says league is considering LIV Golf player returns
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PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addressed reports and rumors about the future of LIV Golf, or lack thereof, with a clear message about where the Tour’s priorities lie in uncertain times.
Last week, it was widely reported that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) was preparing to cut its funding for LIV Golf after announcing a five-year investment strategy focused on reprioritising spending. With the Saudis being the sole funder of the breakaway golf course, the halt in funding would likely lead to the demise of the current version of LIV Golf.
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LIV Golf Mexico weekend went ahead as planned amidst very loud rumors. Two-time major champion Jon Rahm won the event, and on Sunday LIV officially announced that he will return to Mexico in 2027 at a currently unspecified date.
Jon Rahm practices the first round of LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 4, 2026. (Hamed I Muhammad/Reuters)
Former NFL Media Executive Vice President Rolapp participated in Monday’s ‘pressure’The Pat McAfee Show‘ He was transparent when sharing his thoughts on reports and rumors regarding LIV Golf on ESPN.
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Most importantly, Rolapp admitted that the PGA Tour is considering potential return paths for players who have left the Tour to join the Saudi-backed league.
Asked if there was a potential for players to return, Rolapp said: “I think we’re considering that.” “Listen, we’re reading the same headlines you’re reading, we don’t know what’s going on there [at LIV Golf]. We know these guys are under contract, we will respect that.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addresses media members during a press conference ahead of THE PLAYERS Championship at the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
“Brooks [Koepka] He came back to the Tour because he made a phone call and said, ‘Look, my contract is up, I’m ready to come back.’ So we’re thinking about it and we’ll react when we have the opportunity to react, but right now we’re focused on making the PGA Tour better. I’ve said it openly, and I’ll say it again, I’m interested in anything that will make the PGA Tour better. “This is my job, this is what I want to do, and there are no limits.”
Five-time major winner Koepka returns to the PGA Tour at the start of 2026 after joining LIV Golf in June 2022. He did this through the Tour’s ‘Returning Member Programme’, which is only accessible to previous Tour members who won The Players or a major championship between 2022 and 2025.
Brooks Koepka of the United States reacts after making a birdie putt on the 17th hole during the second round of the 125th US Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 13, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Koepka agreed to make a charitable contribution of $5 million upon his return to the Tour. He also agreed to include a potential five-year equity interest in the PGA Tour’s Player Equity Program, which estimates its potential losses to be around $50-85 million. Koepka also will not receive any FedEx Cup bonus payments in 2026.
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Patrick Reed also leaves LIV Golf in early 2026 to return to the PGA Tour. The former Masters champion is serving a one-year suspension that expires in August and is on track to regain his 2027 PGA Tour card with a pair of wins on the DP World Tour earlier this year.
Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Smith and Rahm remain the highest-profile players competing on LIV Golf, and their return to the PGA Tour will undoubtedly fit in with Rolapp’s focus on making the PGA Tour better.
