PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp reiterates it is not considering a returning member program for LIV golfers
The PGA Tour officially shared the details of what the new-look, two-tiered competitive model debuting in 2028 will entail on Tuesday, and CEO Brian Rolapp also made it clear that, as things stand now, LIV golfers will not be a part of it.
The word "pathways" will be discussed ad nauseam leading into the 2028 PGA Tour season, with players looking to earn a spot on the upper-tiered Championship Series. It, however, will not be a term used for players on the once-backed Saudi breakaway circuit, as it was in January, when Brooks Koepka took advantage of the Returning Member Program window.
Rolapp addressed the topic of LIV Golf and players looking to return to the Tour at the top of his press conference on Tuesday before being asked a question about the proposition.
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PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp addresses media members at 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)
"Before we get to your questions on this announcement, I will briefly address LIV because I know it has been in the news recently, and I expect it may come up today," Rolapp began. "As I said a few weeks ago in Atlanta, there are really three things when it comes to anyone who wants to compete on the PGA TOUR.
"One, the PGA TOUR is built on meritocracy. Every player, whether they are a member or want to become one, must earn their place. Two, we are a membership organization; we have rules, and those rules exist for lots of reasons, including fairness and competitive balance. Rules matter, and they must be enforced.
"Which brings me to number three, accountability and discipline. These are essential elements for any sports league and are certainly for the integrity of the PGA TOUR and the sport. It's what holds the TOUR together. Those are guiding principles for us. In terms of where we are today, we are not currently contemplating a returning-member program like the one you saw in January."
Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, speaks to the media prior to THE PLAYERS Championship 2026 at THE PLAYERS Stadium course at TPC Sawgrass on March 11, 2026 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. (Orlando Ramirez/Getty Images)
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The Returning Member Program offered in January was made accessible to previous Tour members who have won The Players or a major championship between 2022 and 2025. Koepka was the lone player to take advantage of the opportunity and met the criteria having won the 2023 PGA Championship.
In April, Rolapp specifically stated that "Koepka’s path won’t be treated as a precedent if and when others seek to do the same."
The only other LIV players who met the Returning Member Program requirements were Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and Jon Rahm.
While it is quite clear that a direct path from LIV to the PGA Tour does not exist, there could be a hidden door, if you will.
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Jon Rahm of Spain plays a shot during a practice round, prior to the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg on Sept. 8, 2026 in Clarecastle, Ireland. (Warren Little/Getty Images)
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In the Tour's detailed announcement about requirements and eligibility for players in 2028, it included a note about the DP World Tour.
"Access available to top performers from the DP World Tour is being considered as part of the ongoing discussions regarding the future of the Strategic Alliance," the Tour's statement read.
Current LIV golfers who opt to compete on the DP World Tour, which could require fines and certain requirements, may potentially (emphasis on potentially) seek a path back onto the PGA Tour by going that route.
The biggest uncertainty of it all is the actual status of LIV Golf itself after the circuit's recent bankruptcy filing, leaving its status a giant question mark.
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