One PGA Tour pro praised Akshay Bhatia for his decision after receiving a lucrative LIV Golf offer.
The growing divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continues to shape modern golf, but some players are drawing a clear line in the sand.
One of them is Akshay Bhatia, whose recent decision to stay loyal to the PGA Tour has earned admiration from his peers.
Michael Kim calls it “very cool” to see younger golfers reject LIV money
Following reports that Akshay Bhatia turned down a “lucrative” offer from LIV Golf, PGA star Michael Kim took to his X account to share his respect for the 24-year-old.
Bhatia, currently ranked inside the world’s top 50, has reached the Tour Championship in back-to-back seasons and was recently announced as part of Tiger Woods’ TGL roster.
“It’s very cool seeing younger guys say no to the upfront money to chase more career goals. I obviously understand it from the other side as well, but it’s one thing to talk about it, another to say no to a big check that’s right in front of you.”
The golfer ended his post with a touch of humour, joking that he has never personally received a LIV offer.
LIV faces turbulence as PGA loyalty strengthens
Akshay Bhatia’s decision to reject this offer comes at a time when LIV Golf is facing some internal changes.
The league has struggled to attract major new names since signing Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, while Brooks Koepka recently departed the organisation with a year left on his $100 million contract.
For many PGA Tour players, decisions like Bhatia’s highlight a shift in priorities — where legacy, competition, and integrity take precedence over quick paydays.
Akshay Bhatia’s stance might reflect a changing of the guard when it comes to LIV Golf’s rapid rise in the sport.
Read More: What Charles Barkley said Brooks Koepka cannot do after leaving LIV Golf
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