Who is next to join LIV Golf? Here are 10 PGA Tour stars who might make the leap
GolfMagic has taken a look at 10 PGA Tour stars that could join LIV Golf after the rival league brought the curtain down on their second campaign.
"I know that's going to happen". Not my words, but those of Phil Mickelson as he talked up the prospect of more PGA Tour stars signing for LIV Golf in the offseason.
We will have to wait see whether Lefty is right, given nine months ago we were promised some high-profile names were in negotiations to join the rival league.
Before LIV kicked off their second campaign in Mexico, their last-minute signings were - with respect - somewhat underwhelming.
Chile's Mito Pereira finally put pen to paper with LIV. He joined South Africa's Dean Burmester and Colombia's Sebastian Munoz.
When the landmark 'framework agreement' between the PGA Tour and LIV's financiers was announced, there was a stipulation the Saudi-backed league wouldn't raid their North American rival for any more talent. At least, for the time being.
Some scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice put an end to that.
Which means LIV are free to approach more golfers to try and drum up some interest going into 2024.
GolfMagic has decided to take a look at some potential recruits.
Here are 10 PGA Tour players that could have their heads turned...
1. Jason Day
Day appeared receptive to joining LIV in the future. A year ago, the Aussie said he would reject any immediate offer. Although he added: "Who knows in a year's time, you might think differently."
Matsuyama is said to have turned down $400m to join LIV in 2022. The Japanese golfer is also not involved in Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL. Sources close to the former Masters champion suggested he was torn between money and legacy. Matsuyama has not publicly criticised any players for joining LIV and even was sympathetic to their players struggling to get into the major championships. "They have some really good players over there," he said. "And if some of those players drop outside the top 100 players in the world, that's not good for the world rankings either."
3. Brian Harman
Boasting another major champion would undoubtedly be a big deal for LIV. Could Harman be tempted? He's played more than 340 events on the PGA Tour since making his debut in 2012, winning three times. Would he regret turning down the opportunity to make a quick buck?
Scheffler isn't involved in TGL either, although that decision appears more down to logistics. Still, Scheffler wasn't happy with the lack of clarity about any future potential partnership between the PGA Tour and the PIF of Saudi Arabia. The American stated PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan had 'a long way to go' to regain the players' trust after the about-face tour management policy.
5. Adam Scott
Scott has never criticised any LIV players in public. "All power to them" he previously said after they joined. At times he has even praised LIV's chief executive, Greg Norman. "I don't begrudge him at all," he said. He is now a member of the PGA Tour's player advisory council, which means it's unlikely he has any immediate plans to leave. But you never know.
In February, Hovland said 'nothing is ruled out' with regards to his future. "As of today, I want to play here, this is where the best players are," he said. "I think it's better for my golf if I play on the PGA Tour." It would be a major coup is LIV could land the Norwegian.
7. Sam Burns
Reportedly turned down $100m. More importantly, he is represented by GSE Worldwide. GSE's other clients? LIV players: Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Louis Oosthuizen, Branden Grace, Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz and Eugenio Chacarra.
8. Tony Finau
Finau has confirmed he was approached by LIV, which isn't surprising in the least. Initially, he said he 'didn't have a stance' on the rival league. Would the big-hitting American fancy a future with LIV?
9. Justin Rose
Rose previously said he wasn't willing to put a Ryder Cup appearance in jeopardy. Likewise, qualification for the majors. At 43 years old, it's not unreasonable to suggest playing in Italy was the Englishman's last hurrah in the biennial dust-up. Will LIV make a renewed offer for Rosey?
10. Cameron Young
Last August, Young made a statement stating he had 'decided to stay' on the PGA Tour. Haven't we heard that one before?
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