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PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addressed reports and rumors surrounding LIV Golf’s future, or potential lack thereof, with a simple message about the Tour’s priorities amid uncertainty.
Last week, it was widely reported that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) was set to end its funding of LIV Golf after announcing a five-year investment strategy focused on reprioritizing spending. With the Saudis being the sole funders of the separatist golf circuit, a cessation of funds would, in all likelihood, put an end to the current iteration of LIV Golf.
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LIV Golf Mexico went ahead as planned this weekend amid very loud rumors. Two-time major champion Jon Rahm won the event and on Sunday LIV officially announced its return to Mexico in 2027 at a currently undetermined date.
Jon Rahm in action during the first round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at Riyadh Golf Club in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 4, 2026. (Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters)
Rolapp, the former executive vice president of NFL Media, joined Monday’s edition of “The Pat McAfee Show” on ESPN and was transparent while sharing his thoughts on the reports and rumors involving LIV Golf.
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Most notably, Rolapp admitted that the PGA Tour is considering potential return paths for players who left the Tour to join the Saudi-backed league.
“I think we’re looking at it,” Rolapp said when asked about the potential return of players. “Look, we all read the same headlines as you, we don’t know what’s going on there [at LIV Golf]. We know these guys are under contract, we will respect that.
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp speaks to members of the media during a press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship at Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)
“The streams [Koepka] came back to the Tour because he made a phone call and said, “Look, I’m out of contract, I’m ready to come back.” So we’re thinking about it and we’ll respond when we have the opportunity, but right now we’re focused on making the PGA Tour better. I’ve said it publicly, and I’ll say it again, I want to improve everything that makes the PGA Tour better. That’s my work, that’s what interests me and that has no limits. »
Koepka, a five-time major winner, returned to the PGA Tour in early 2026 after joining LIV Golf in June 2022. He did so through the Tour’s “Return Member Program,” made available only to former Tour members who won The Players or a major championship between 2022 and 2025.
Brooks Koepka of the United States reacts after making a birdie on the 17th hole during the second round of the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club on June 13, 2025, in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Koepka agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution upon his return to the Tour. He also agreed to include a five-year forfeiture of potential capital in the PGA Tour’s player equity program, which estimates his potential losses at between $50 million and $85 million. Koepka will also not receive a FedEx Cup bonus in 2026.
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Patrick Reed also left LIV Golf in early 2026 to seek a return to the PGA Tour. The former Masters champion is serving a one-year suspension that ends in August and is on track to regain his PGA Tour card for 2027 with two victories earlier this year on the DP World Tour.
Bryson DeChambeau, Tyrrell Hatton, Joaquin Niemann, Cameron Smith and Rahm remain the most high-profile players competing on LIV Golf, and their return to the PGA Tour would undoubtedly further Rolapp’s goal of improving the PGA Tour.
