PGA Tour boss has stern message for LIV Golf players hoping to return
PGA Tour boss has stern message for LIV Golf players hoping to return
Kylee HansenTue, August 25, 2026 at 11:55 PM UTC
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Brian Rolapp commented on the possible collapse of LIV Golf -Credit:Getty Images
Brian Rolapp doesn’t plan on re-opening the returning member program, which is the road that five-time major winner Brooks Koepka used to re-enter the American circuit at the beginning of the year.
The returning member program initially opened in January when Koepka announced he was leaving LIV Golf. The program’s rules only allowed for him, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith to return before February 2, 2026, but newly initiated PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp isn't re-opening that door.
Smith and DeChambeau stayed on the circuit, as DeChambeau's contract expires at the end of the 2026 season and Smith’s closes at the end of next year. The circuit’s future is in serious question though, after the PIF yanked funding following the 2026 season, and they had to cancel their team finale in Michigan and face many other financial burdens.
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“Currently there's no current plans for Returning Member Program like you saw earlier this year,” said Rolapp.
With the uncertainty of LIVs future, many of the league's stars are expected to attempt a return, including Lucas Herbert and Danny Lee, who have both won in their careers on the PGA Tour.
“In this job, you have to take into account everybody's feelings and all stakeholders,” said Rolapp.
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When LIV Golf burst onto the scene in 2022, it poached many of the PGA Tour’s best players, creating a massive divide and ill-will between the two circuits.
Jon Rahm is reportedly still owed around $150 million from LIV Golf -Credit:Getty Images
“I think what I would say on that is I think fans are clear where they want to see the best golfers competing week in and week out,” said Rolapp. “Our competitive model that we've been working on is an attempt to get closer to that standard.”
It’s rumored that Jon Rahm could return to the DP World Tour this season, and through the strategic alliance between the tours, the top 10 players on the final points list who are not otherwise exempt secure dual membership.
“I would also say three things when it comes to LIV players or anyone else who wants to be on the PGA Tour,” said Rolapp.
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“The PGA Tour is built on meritocracy. Every player, whether they're already here or they're trying to be here, they're going to earn a place based on their performance and on their success. That's a core principle of the sport, and it certainly is of the PGA Tour.”
Rolapp honed in on the tour’s rules, as changing them now would cause it to face major backlash from players and fans due to the circumstances when LIV Golf was first established.
“The tour is a membership organization,” said Rolapp. “It has rules. Those rules exist for lots of reasons, for fair, competitive reasons. They exist so we can actually create the Tour as you know it. Rules matter.”
Source: “AOL Sports”
