New LIV Golf signing admits that he thinks the PGA Tour is still ‘the pinnacle of golf’

Add as preferred source on Google

While LIV Golf has long secured its spot at the game’s top table, there is surely no question that the PGA Tour has managed to retain its place as the number one stage for the world’s best.

There was definitely a time when the PGA Tour‘s spot at the game’s summit appeared to be under threat. A number of star players left in 2022 to join LIV Golf.

It is perhaps not too much of a stretch to suggest that the balance of power would have been tipped in LIV’s favour had Tiger Woods or Rory McIlroy decided to sign in the early days.

But the PGA Tour seems to have weathered that storm and emerged in a very strong position. In fact, one player who has signed with LIV has seemingly suggested that the competition remains out in front.

LIV Golf signing praises the PGA Tour despite turning down a card for 2026

Laurie Canter surprised many by deciding to return to LIV for 2026. The Englishman has signed with the Majesticks, replacing Henrik Stenson for the upcoming season.

Canter had just secured his PGA Tour card through the DP World Tour.

And speaking to The Times this weekend, the 36-year-old explained that matters away from the golf course led to his decision to return to LIV.

“The offer I had to go was brilliant,” he said. “You’re weighing up all these things: where am I going to play my best golf and how do I feel I can do that and be compensated in the best way that I can, but it is also the lifestyle. The PGA Tour schedule is still probably the pinnacle of tour golf but, truthfully, I enjoy playing in Europe and I’m still passionate about playing events on the DP World Tour.

“If you’re going out to play on the PGA Tour and you can live in America, that’s obviously achievable but, at this point, I don’t want a life like that. My family is happy and settled where they are. I have two daughters [aged three and one]. Travelling back and forth to America 30 weeks of the year isn’t sustainable.”

Laurie Canter suggests that the DP World Tour will benefit from his decision to return to LIV Golf

Regardless of what you think of LIV, it is simply impossible to have a problem with Canter’s view.

Ultimately, he will have seen the majority of those who graduated from the DP World Tour in 2024 fail to keep their PGA Tour cards. And clearly, it is a no-brainer for Canter to prioritise his family.

It is a shame that Canter has found himself in a position where he feels he cannot justify testing himself on the biggest stage. That is something that the PGA Tour have to look at in the years to come, as he will not be the only player to feel that way.

But Canter also sees the decision as a boost for the European circuit.

“The tour has to do what’s best for itself, but as to whether I’m having my cake and eating it, I feel like I’m doing the opposite. I’m not leaving the DP World Tour. I’m playing LIV instead of playing on the PGA Tour,” he said.

“I will have to start paying fines myself and I’m not over the moon to drop £1 million to stay a member, but I want to be involved.”

Yes, Canter not joining the PGA Tour is hardly going to move the needle. But Brian Rolapp would be wise to listen to the reasons behind his decision with LIV probably keen to snap up a number of exciting prospects in the coming years.