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PGA Tour mulls pathway back for golfers as LIV plots survival
TL;DR
The PGA Tour is considering ways for players to return from LIV Golf amid concerns over the latter's financial stability. Reports suggest LIV Golf's funding from Saudi Arabia may end after this season, prompting a rebranding effort to retain players.
Key points
- PGA Tour is exploring return pathways for LIV Golf players
- LIV Golf faces financial instability without Saudi funding
- Funding from Saudi Arabia may end after the current season
- LIV Golf is attempting to rebrand to retain players
Mentioned in this story
PGA TourLIV GolfSaudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund
There is currently no public valuation of what LIV Golf teams are worth (Hector Vivas)
(Hector Vivas/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)
The PGA Tour is exploring pathways for players to return from LIV Golf, even as the embattled breakaway circuit scrambles to rebrand and retain its stars ahead of the rumored withdrawal of Saudi funding.
The golfing world was shaken last week by widespread reports that LIV only has support from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund guaranteed until the end of the season, after which the high-spending tour would face a major financial deficit if it continues.
That has prompted speculation that the entire circuit could soon collapse, leaving marquee players like Bryson DeChambeau plotting their futures.
Asked this week if the PGA tour had plans to welcome back defectors from rival LIV like DeChambeau, as it already has with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, CEO Brian Rolapp said the PGA was "thinking about it."
"Brooks came back onto the tour because he made a phone call and said, 'Look, I'm out of my contract. I'm ready to come back,'" Rolapp told the Pat McAfee Show on Monday.
"So we're thinking about it. We'll react when we have an opportunity to react.
He added: "I'm interested in whatever makes the PGA Tour better."
Whether DeChambeau would want to return to the PGA Tour is not clear, particularly given the punitive financial terms already imposed on the likes of Koepka.
DeChambeau's wildly popular YouTube channel regularly draws over two million views per video, and he could feasibly choose to only play golf's four major tournaments.
Even if LIV Golf continues next season, DeChambeau's contract will be up, and The Athletic on Monday reported that the two-time major winner is demanding "up to $500 million" to re-sign.
LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil, who last week told staff that the tour would continue "full throttle" this season, said the circuit would "probably" have to raise money going forward.
- 'OKGC' -
One option he has frequently touted is selling equity stakes in LIV's 13 teams.
On Tuesday, the tour announced it was rebranding the Smash GC team -- formerly captained by Koepka -- as "OKGC", inspired by its new, Oklahoma City-native captain Talor Gooch.
Q&A
What is the PGA Tour considering for LIV Golf players?
The PGA Tour is exploring pathways for players to return from LIV Golf.
Why is LIV Golf facing financial challenges?
LIV Golf is reportedly losing support from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund after this season, leading to potential financial deficits.
What are the implications of Saudi funding ending for LIV Golf?
If Saudi funding ends, LIV Golf may struggle to maintain its operations and retain its players.
How is LIV Golf attempting to survive amid financial uncertainty?
LIV Golf is scrambling to rebrand and retain its stars as it faces financial challenges.
