PGA Tour not considering returning member program for LIV golfers

By Evelyn Mensah — 15 September 2026 — 3 min read

No direct path for LIV golfers to PGA Tour

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has reiterated that the organisation is not currently considering a returning member program for golfers who joined LIV Golf. This announcement follows the details released for the new two-tiered competitive model set to debut in 2028. Rolapp addressed the topic at a press conference, stating that the Tour operates on principles of meritocracy, rules, and accountability.

Rolapp explained that every player must earn their place, and the Tour’s rules, which exist for fairness and competitive balance, must be enforced. He highlighted accountability and discipline as essential elements for the integrity of the PGA Tour and the sport. He confirmed that the Tour is not contemplating a returning-member program similar to the one offered in January.

The January program was available to former Tour members who had won The Players or a major championship between 2022 and 2025. Brooks Koepka was the only player to utilise this opportunity, meeting the criteria after winning the 2023 PGA Championship. Rolapp had previously stated in April that Koepka’s path would not serve as a precedent for others seeking to return. Other LIV Golf players who met these specific requirements included Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Jon Rahm.

Potential alternative pathways through DP World Tour

While a direct path from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour is not available, there might be an indirect route. The Tour’s announcement regarding eligibility for 2028 included a note about the DP World Tour. Access for top performers from the DP World Tour is under consideration as part of ongoing discussions concerning the future of the Strategic Alliance.

This suggests that current LIV Golf players could potentially seek a return to the PGA Tour by competing on the DP World Tour, though this might involve fines and other requirements. The status of LIV Golf itself remains uncertain following its recent bankruptcy filing, which has left its future as a significant question mark.

Jon Rahm commented at Wentworth that a lengthy legal process is necessary before many issues are resolved. Golfers are currently subject to court and bankruptcy proceedings, with an expectation of a mass return to the PGA Tour once these are complete. Rory McIlroy, also at Wentworth, suggested that players progressing from Europe should feed into the top-level Championship Series in the US, rather than the second-tier Challenger Series.

Rolapp confirmed that the number of DP World Tour cards has not yet been determined but is under discussion, indicating that there will be scenarios where Championship Series cards are available.

Internal challenges within LIV Golf

Meanwhile, within LIV Golf, player Thomas Detry has expressed concerns about sensitive information being leaked from players’ group chats. Detry, who joined LIV Golf in January as the No. 57 player in the Official World Golf Ranking, publicly stated his desire to remain with the circuit as it attempts to restructure after losing its Saudi PIF backing and filing for bankruptcy.

Detry praised CEO Scott O’Neil for his transparency and efforts to keep players informed about restructuring plans and the long-term vision. However, he voiced frustration that confidential information shared among players has repeatedly become public, adding to uncertainty during a critical period for LIV Golf. Detry’s comments were made ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

The issue of internal leaks highlights the challenges LIV Golf faces in maintaining unity and confidence among its players as it works to secure support for its proposed post-bankruptcy model. Detry noted that while the leaked information might not be “game-changing,” the knowledge that confidential discussions are being shared externally is not ideal.

Last week, LIV Golf announced its filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a restructuring agreement. This filing formalises a challenging year for the circuit, which has included cost-cutting measures and the elimination of positions for a significant number of employees.