Champion says returning LIV golfers should start at bottom

The future of LIV Golf is in question as the tour faces financial uncertainty following the withdrawal of funding from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This development has prompted speculation about whether star players who left the PGA Tour for the rival circuit will seek to return, and under what terms they might be allowed back.

Former U.S. Ryder Cup captain and 1996 Open champion Tom Lehman has argued that any returning players should have to rebuild their careers from the bottom. In a recent podcast interview, Lehman stated that players who left for more than twelve months should come back with no status, suggesting they should start behind qualifying school or even on the developmental Korn Ferry Tour. He emphasized that allowing them to return with privileges would be unfair to those who remained loyal to the PGA Tour.

Lehman's comments come after Brooks Koepka's return to the PGA Tour earlier this year via a now-closed "Returning Member Program." Koepka, who left LIV Golf in December 2025, was required to pay a $5 million charitable contribution, forfeit equity grants and FedExCup bonuses for five years, and commit to playing at least 15 events. He also served a...