As the golf season continues, things are looking to get intensified beyond the greens. A week ago, North Irish golfer Rory McIlroy stunned the world with another reversal on LIV Golf. This was meet with heavy criticism from Rickie Fowler, who has now being backed by Justin Thomas.
A few days, McIlroy claimed that LIV golfers should be allowed to return to the PGA Tour circuit without facing any harsh penalties. This views of him were not supported by his PGA Tour peers including Thomas who expressed that those who left should not be allowed to return so easily.
During the establishment of LIV Golf, several popular names including the likes of Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau left the tour and joined the Saudi-funded tour on huge deals. They recently got another big name in Jon Rahm, who jumped ships in December 2023.
Thomas now does not want to see the players return so easily to the tour.
I’m definitely not in the agreement that they should just be able to come back that easily...it just would... I would have a hard time with it and I think a lot of guys would. Justin Thomas on LIV Golfers returning to PGA Tour in a press conference.
Scottie Scheffler joins Justin Thomas in calling for consequences for LIV Golfers’ return to PGA Tour
The words of Justin Thomas regarding the return of LIV Golfers to the PGA Tour without any punishment has become a major trending point. He has now being backed by Scottie Scheffler who feels the same way as Thomas.
The current World No. 1 is also someone not too pleased with the idea of Rory McIlroy. Like other golfers, Scheffler is open to their return, but not without any consequences against them.
As he gears up for the defence of the WM Phoenix Open title, Scheffler said:
I have no bad blood toward the guys that left...There should be a pathway back for them, but they definitely shouldn’t be able to come back without any sort of contribution to the Tour. Scottie Scheffler on LIV Golfers returning to PGA Tour as per Golf Channel.
Recently Jon Rahm opened about his feelings towards the PGA Tour events. In a press conference before the LIV Golf Vegas event, the Spanish International admitted to being left emotional after missing the tour events due to his allegiance with LIV Golf.
As the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf backed PIF intensifies, it will be interesting to see what changes are made that could allow the players to return. The memos that were released previously did mention that the golf entities were working towards this and will allow the players to re-apply for their tour membership once the merger goes through.
More must-reads: