6 LIV Golf stars told they are only players who would be welcomed back by PGA Tour

Amidst the ongoing saga between the PGA Tour and the emerging LIV Golf league, Webb Simpson has issued a cautionary tale to players eyeing a potential return to the PGA Tour fold. Simpson, a steadfast loyalist to the PGA Tour, believes that the road back won’t be smooth for most, with only a select few likely to seamlessly reintegrate.

Since its inception in 2022, LIV Golf has been a disruptive force, luring top-tier talent away from the traditional PGA Tour with lucrative financial incentives. Despite the backlash from fans and authorities, the exodus continued, culminating in the departure of reigning Masters champion Jon Rahm at the close of last year.

To stem the tide, measures have been implemented, including stripping Ryder Cup eligibility from European defectors and barring all LIV Golf players from earning Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. While these deterrents may not pose an immediate threat, they could deter participation in golf’s premier events, potentially triggering a mass exodus from the renegade league.

Simpson, a former US Open champion, has identified a select group of six players who he believes stand a chance of smoothly transitioning back to the PGA Tour. Notably, these include major champions such as Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith. However, for the majority, Simpson predicts a challenging path, likely involving a return to Q-school or exploration of alternative tours.

Central to Simpson’s concerns is the issue of field sizes, which he views as a critical factor in determining the viability of a return for LIV Golf defectors. He advocates for a reduction in field sizes, from the current 156 players to 144, in a bid to preserve the quality of competition and accommodate potential returnees.

Navigating the complexities of reintegrating former LIV Golf stars poses a conundrum for the PGA Tour, with Simpson acknowledging the need for careful deliberation and stakeholder consultation. While the prospect of reallocating playing spots may provoke initial resistance, Simpson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the long-term health and competitiveness of the Tour.

As the debate rages on, Simpson implores fellow board members and player directors to engage in dialogue with affected players, acknowledging their concerns while charting a course forward that balances fairness and sustainability for all stakeholders involved.