The PGA Tour and LIV Golf look set to continue to go their separate ways in 2025, despite a merger seemingly being close.
But tensions could reach boiling point once more given the current likelihood of more PGA Tour players defecting to LIV Golf.
Jon Rahm notably made the switch ahead of the 2024 season, with the Spaniard going on to win the individual title in his debut year.
The Spaniard leaving was a massive blow for the PGA Tour, who will now be fearful of similar switches this winter.
Tony Finau is now close to joining LIV Golf, which would see his successful 13-year PGA Tour career come to an end.
Big players set to depart the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf this week
But the PGA Tour should be relieved if Finau is the most high-profile exit at this stage, especially having lost Rahm last time out.
Their relief could be short-lived, however, with Luke Elvy noting on X that LIV Golf are close to confirming new names.
He said: “From what I’m hearing, there are going to be names confirmed to LIV today & over the next week or so that will crush some fans.
“Phil Mickelson’s “chess, not checkers” line keeps running through my head. The longer this goes on the more the PGAT gets devalued. Do a deal now!”
Hank Haney quickly shared his reaction to the potential moves, writing on X: “Snooze you lose, it’s going to be DPWT and LIV and then what happens?”
Top five most crushing potential PGA Tour departures for LIV Golf
Despite never winning a major, Finau would still be missed by many on the PGA Tour, having enjoyed many memorable moments over the years.
But losing fellow six-time PGA Tour winner Viktor Hovland could be crushing, particularly for close followers of the exciting Norwegian given his current ability and future potential.
Hovland moving to LIV Golf is a real possibility, with Australian duo Adam Scott and Jason Day also potentially in that category.
LIV Golf team champions Ripper GC boast an all-Australian line-up, and they could be keen on a slight switch-up with Scott or Day as they look to defend their title.
Hideki Matsuyama is another player who could defect to LIV Golf ahead of the 2025 season, with Greg Norman having made no secret of his desire to snap up the Japanese icon.
Matsuyama has reportedly rejected a mega-money approach in the past, but more funds could undoubtedly be tabled given the riches of the PIF-funded venture.
And in a similar situation, Rickie Fowler could change his tune and make the move, with exits for him or Matsuyama certain to negatively impact the PGA Tour.
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