The divide between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is far from bridging, despite ongoing talk of negotiations and public softening on both sides.
Since the launch of LIV Golf in 2022, which saw several major names leave for the Saudi-backed league, the idea of bringing the two sides back together has been repeatedly discussed but never realised.
While talks have continued, recent comments from Brandel Chamblee suggest that a unification deal is still a long way from happening – if it ever happens at all.
That may be just as well for some, as there are players within the PGA Tour who have no interest in a merger. Among the most vocal is Lucas Glover, who didn’t hold back when asked about the possibility of LIV players returning to the fold.
Lucas Glover hits out at players who left PGA Tour for LIV
Glover appeared on Sirius XM PGA Tour Radio and spoke candidly about his reluctance to welcome LIV players back, saying: “I don’t want to play with them, me personally. I don’t think they should be back here, I don’t want them here. They made their decision, and I don’t blame any of them. I don’t care, but they also went away from this tour, and they chose to.”
Glover continued: “As a PGA Tour player, and somebody who dreamed of playing on the PGA Tour, and have poured my heart and soul into this tour and game for 21 seasons now, I don’t want somebody who chose another path – a path of less resistance, I don’t want them back competing and taking part of my pie and these kids’ pie who are trying to make it now. I don’t want that.”
Asked to consider the business side of reunification, Glover was conflicted. He admitted that bringing back a select few LIV stars could theoretically benefit the Tour’s future TV deals, but said: “This is still my dream and I chose to stay, and after I chose to stay I had success.”
He added: “All that being said, I don’t think we care anymore about this unification and I don’t think they do either. That’s fine with me, but it’s also kind of shortsighted of me, because if five, six, seven, eight of them still move the needle for the public, that would help us grow even bigger.”
Not many LIV golfers would make an impact on the PGA Tour
Looking at the current landscape, only a handful of LIV players stand out and could “move the needle” if they return.
Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm have remained at the top of their game since leaving the Tour, and their returns would clearly boost interest. Brooks Koepka also remains a strong draw, while Joaquin Niemann brings consistency and a growing fanbase.
Others like Dustin Johnson and Cameron Smith don’t have quite the same impact they once did, and the days when Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood moved the needle are long behind us.
If the sticking point remains the team aspect of LIV Golf – an element the PGA Tour has never embraced – then the impasse may never be resolved. And judging by Glover’s sentiment, there’s an increasing sense among Tour players that it may be time to stop trying.
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