Justin Thomas doubles down on Rickie Fowler claim

Justin Thomas doesn't believe golfers who ditched the PGA Tour in favour of LIV should be allowed an easy return to the PGA Tour.

Speaking to the media ahead of the WM Phoenix Open, Thomas clarified his opinion on a potential merger between the two leagues, echoing Rickie Fowler's belief that players shouldn't be granted an easy return.

His comments come only weeks after Rory McIlroy completed a full U-turn on the issue after he claimed that players should be allowed back and that 'it's hard to punish people'.

Amidst the looming prospect of the Saudi Public Investment Fund's proposed merger with the PGA Tour, the future of a joint tour that could reunite the world's top players hangs in uncertainty.

The recent $3b deal between the PGA Tour and SSG, a consortium of US-based investors pledging $1.3 billion in immediate and future equity for PGA Tour players, further muddles the picture.

It's now unclear if the involvement of PIF will remain necessary for the PGA Tour's progression.

In this ambiguous landscape, the fate of a potential unification between LIV and the PGA Tour remains up in the air. However, Justin Thomas hasn't held back from expressing his views on what should happen to players seeking to rejoin the North American circuit.

He said:

While Thomas appears reluctant to give LIV golfers an easy path back onto the PGA Tour, he hasn't ruled out the idea of them returning entirely.

Questioned about the SSG's new partnership with the PGA Tour and the cash injection received as part of the deal, Thomas seemed uncertain of what kind of impact it would have, but remained optimistic that it would benefit both the players and the fans, he added:

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