PGA Tour says returning golfers get no special treatment after LIV bankruptcy

The PGA Tour commissioner has affirmed that the organization will not extend any special treatment to golfers seeking to rejoin the circuit after the recent bankruptcy filing by LIV Golf. Emphasizing that the Tour is “built on meritocracy,” he said players will need to earn their status through the established qualification pathways rather than receiving discretionary exemptions.

Consequently, high‑profile former LIV members such as Jon Rahm, Cameron Smith and Tyrrell Hatton are expected to pursue a return via the DP World Tour, with the earliest realistic opportunity coming in the 2027 season. Their participation would not only provide a route back to the PGA Tour but also bolster the European circuit’s field strength, underscoring the interconnected nature of professional golf’s global tours.