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Multiple PGA Tour champion admits he would love to return if LIV Golf folds
TL;DR
A multiple PGA Tour champion expressed interest in returning to the tour if LIV Golf collapses, as funding from Saudi Arabia's PIF is set to end after this season. LIV Golf has struggled to establish itself as a premier platform for elite golfers.
Key points
- LIV Golf's future is uncertain due to funding issues.
- Saudi Arabia's PIF plans to withdraw financial support.
- A PGA Tour champion is open to returning if LIV Golf fails.
Photo by Ben Jared/PGA TOUR
LIV Golf is completely up in the air right now, with Saudi Arabiaâs PIF set to pull their funding from the league at the end of this season.
LIV Golf seriously rocked the golfing landscape back in 2022 when they emerged onto the scene.
However, they have never managed to gain a foothold as an elite platform for world-class golfers to perform.
And while LIV Golf has stagnated over the past few years, the PGA Tour has gone from strength to strength.
Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
With LIV Golf set to lose their financial support from PIF, the league will operate very differently from 2027 onwards at the very least.
If worst comes to worst, and LIV Golf does indeed fold, numerous big-name players will be looking for a place to play next season.
Joaquin Niemann would âlove to play on the PGA Tour againâ if LIV folds
Chilean star Joaquin Niemann has been one of the best players on LIV Golf over the past few years.
The 27-year-old has seven LIV Golf wins to his name, with five of them coming since February 2025.
Niemann also won twice on the PGA Tour before leaving to join LIV in 2022.
But could the Chilean move back to the PGA Tour at some point?
When speaking to Beyond The Clubhouse, Niemann responded when asked what he plans to do if LIV Golf does fold.
*â*Yeah, I mean, I would love to, you know, just play, keep playing golf of course.
Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images
*â*I mean, I got DP World Tour. You know, it would be nice but I donât have status there. It would be nice to go and play there.
*â*And then, if, you know, one day, weâre gonna go back to the PGA Tour, I would love to play on the PGA Tour again.
âBut, you know, the scenarios that could happen, if LIV disappears, which I donât think is going to happen.â
Why Joaquin Niemann needs a PGA Tour return
Niemann is clearly an exceptional talent.
However, his performances in the majors over the past couple of years will be very concerning to him.
Since joining LIV Golf in August 2022, Niemann has only two top-20s to his name in the majors, and only one top-10.
âDeep down, he must realize that he needs to be playing on the PGA Tour if he is to compete regularly in the major championships again.
However, Joaquin Niemannâs main problem will be finding a route back to the PGA Tour.
He is not in the same category as Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, so it remains to be seen whether Brian Rolapp will even be open to offering him a pathway back.
Q&A
What will happen to LIV Golf if Saudi Arabia's PIF pulls funding?
If Saudi Arabia's PIF pulls funding, LIV Golf may face significant operational challenges, potentially leading to its collapse.
Which PGA Tour champion wants to return if LIV Golf folds?
A multiple PGA Tour champion has indicated a desire to return to the PGA Tour if LIV Golf ceases operations.
Why has LIV Golf struggled to gain a foothold in professional golf?
LIV Golf has struggled to establish itself as a premier platform due to various factors, including competition from established tours and financial uncertainties.
