PGA Tour not planning return program for LIV Golf stars
BBC Sport
Summary: There are no plans to create an instant pathway back to the PGA Tour for LIV Golf's biggest stars, including major winners Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith.
Text:
The PGA Tour is not currently contemplating a returning member program for players from the breakaway LIV Golf circuit, according to CEO Brian Rolapp.
While the tour presses ahead with its revamped setup for 2028, Rolapp offered no guarantees that LIV's top performers would be welcomed back.
Previously, Brooks Koepka returned to the US tour after securing a deal in January, but DeChambeau, Rahm, and Smith opted not to follow suit.
LIV Golf players who defected were hit with one-year bans, which could be served while playing on the DP World Tour. However, there are no guarantees as to how many players from that circuit will qualify for the PGA Tour's new structure, which incorporates a promotion and relegation system.
Rolapp emphasized the PGA Tour's commitment to meritocracy, stating that all players must earn their place. He added:
"Accountability and discipline... are essential elements for any sports league and are certainly for the integrity of the PGA Tour and the sport."