Investigation: LIV athlete comebacks causing disagreement in PGA-PIF negotiations
Recent reports have indicated that PGA Tour players desire for members of LIV Golf to reimburse the money they received from LIV as a prerequisite for any potential reunion of men's golf. However, as stated in a Golf Digest article on Friday, the main point of contention is whether to allow players to return to the tour at all.
There have been limited details revealed since the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a surprising "framework agreement" to merge interests in June 2023, over 15 months ago.
The primary obstacle in reaching a final agreement is determining the process of reintegrating LIV members into the PGA and DP World tours. Some players resigned their tour memberships when they left, while others still hold exemptions. However, for some, their tour statuses have expired.
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According to Golf Digest, the PGA Tour is primarily focused on bringing back three players: Spanish standout Jon Rahm, despite the belief of many players that his decision to leave for a LIV contract worth over $300 million in December hindered negotiations; five-time major champion Brooks Koepka; and U.S. Open winner Bryson DeChambeau, who has become one of the most popular players in the sport.
There are various potential options that could be offered to LIV players, such as exemptions for the top three finishers in a LIV season, starts on the Korn Ferry Tour, Monday qualifying into events, and Q School (qualifying school), according to Golf Digest.
The future of LIV Golf and its place in the golf calendar is another issue that is currently being addressed, as per the report. A merger between the PGA Tour and PIF may not withstand regulatory scrutiny, so keeping a quasi-competitor like LIV in the mix could help the PGA Tour avoid antitrust litigation.
At present, the PGA Tour has proceeded with a 2025 schedule that is similar to previous years, and LIV Golf, which is wrapping up its third season this weekend with its team championship, has already announced the initial portion of its 2025 slate.
