One of the most alarming questions heading into 2025 concerned whether there will be a breakthrough which will allow the PGA Tour and LIV Golf stars to come back together in 2026.
It has been well over 18 months since the framework agreement between the PGA Tour and the PIF was announced. At the time, it appeared to be a real sign that the game’s civil war could end imminently.
Clearly, those who were optimistic were left disappointed.
Both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have set out their schedules for 2025. And it was significant that LIV Golf has put a number of their final events alongside the FedEx Cup playoffs.
Bryson DeChambeau asked if he could play in a PGA Tour event in 2025
Certainly, it appears highly unlikely that any agreement will lead to any changes in 2025. Even if the two sides do find a breakthrough, it would appear that nothing is likely to look different until the 2026 season at the earliest.
Interestingly, Bryson DeChambeau was asked on 5 Clubs whether he could see himself playing in a PGA Tour event – presumably outside of the majors – or a PGA Tour player featuring on LIV Golf before the end of the year. And the US Open champion did not shut down the idea entirely.
“I’m not one to say the future of golf, but I wouldn’t put it past anyone. I think there’s unique conversations going on. I hope that’s the case,” he said.
“I hope that over the course of time we’re able to go back and forth and play in events that I loved and vice-versa, coming out and showcasing themselves internationally at a place that they’ve always wanted to go. I think there’s a great place for this amazing game. There’s enough space in this ecosystem, I don’t believe we should be pigeonholing ourselves to this game and splitting up the game and keeping it that way.”
The PGA Tour player reportedly heading to LIV Golf for 2025
Of course, one player with a PGA Tour card for this year looks set to make the jump to LIV Golf in the near future.
In 2024, it was Adrian Meronk who decided to snub the chance to play on the PGA Tour and instead join LIV having graduated from the DP World Tour.
This time around, it looks like Tom McKibbin is set to join LIV, with Jon Rahm‘s Legion XIII team reportedly working on signing the Northern Irishman.
It is a surprising move. McKibbin refused to comment on the reports, but it was notable that he did not shut down the rumours ahead of the Team Cup – where he will play alongside Tyrrell Hatton.
McKibbin may feel that it is worth taking the risk in the hope that an agreement is not too far away. Judging by DeChambeau’s comments, there is fresh optimism that the stalemate will end sooner rather than later.
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