In the wake of talks concerning a PGA and LIV merger, some players switched to LIV and seem to have some regrets with their decision. Many have expressed how they missed being able to compete with their fellow PGA players. Others have lost their standing on the world leaderboards because of how LIV works compared to other associations. Some are also losing their relevance, again because of how LIV works.
Relations between the two associations have gone from hostile to much more amicable in the past year. Initially, when players were switching to LIV the PGA would suspend those players from competing in their events. However, many PGA and LIV players have played against each other on friendly terms in the last year in other events like in the Ryder Cup. The merger itself has plenty of pros and cons for both leagues, but what are the former PGA players thinking on this?
Dustin Johnson On His Time With LIV Golf
Dustin Johnson seems more content with how his LIV career is turning out for himself. He did, however, lose his number one spot in the world rankings. Johnson also eventually lost his career-long TaylorMade sponsorship but he isn’t letting that bother him. He is looking forward to a merger, he is quoted as saying:
“I believe this agreement will only enhance LIV, which is already fantastic.” He went on to say, “I’m perfectly happy where I am, and I certainly don’t intend to play more golf than I currently do, that’s for sure.”
Despite losing his ranking, Johnson seems to prefer the more laid-back way LIV works and is taking an “it is what it is” approach to the merger.
Brooks Koepka Floating the Idea of Returning to PGA
This comes out from Brooks Koepka and Fred Couples’ private chat that Couples revealed details from. In this chat Koepka is talking about how he missed the PGA and is looking to return to the old status quo, his career had.
“I talk to Brooks Koepka all the time,” he told Seattle sports radio station KJR 93.3FM. “I love Brooks Koepka, and I’m not going to say anything extra except I talk to him all the time. He wants to come back. I will say that I believe he really wants to come back and play the Tour.”
Bryson DeChambeau and His Contract On The Verge of Expiration
Byson DeChambeau was one of the first to jump ship with an initial contract worth $125 million. LIV has however rejected a contract renewal that was reportedly asking for $280 million. Due to that renewal being rejected, DeChambeau seems to be leaving LIV when his contract expires in 2027 and is rumored to be looking to rejoin PGA Tour. Other players are itching to see DeChambeau return like Rory McIlroy who voiced his opinion on Netflix’s Full Swing.
McIlroy said: “Bryson is exactly what the game of golf needs right now. I would certainly like the opportunity to play against him a little more often. He has made the game of golf more exciting this year.”
What This Means For PGA and LIV Fans
With relations between the two organizations cooling down to the point of them talking about joining, it looks like that all these players who were once suspended will be welcomed back with open arms. This will of course benefit fans in seeing all their favorite players making a return, but it will also benefit those players in allowing them to reclaim their titles as they make their comebacks. Now the only questions are, will this merger happen, and what happens after that?
Main Photo Credit: © Soobum Im-Imagn Images
