It is the time of the year where the rumour mill gets going and speculation begins surrounding which players may sign for LIV Golf.
It is an important off-season for LIV Golf. LIV plan to properly enforce relegation for the first time. But even their biggest fan will admit that their momentum has stalled lately.
LIV have also reported losses which would probably scare anyone not associated with the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia. So they could certainly do with making a statement ahead of the 2026 season. And LIV are reportedly in talks with two recent winners.
Unfortunately, it seems that one player who would be a fantastic signing for the league has confirmed his plans to join the PGA Tour next year.
Fans react as Marco Penge confirms his plans to join the PGA Tour rather than LIV Golf
Marco Penge has been a revelation on the DP World Tour in 2025. His victory at Open de Espana this past week was his third of the year. Unsurprisingly, he has wrapped up a card on the PGA Tour for next season.
Some may have wondered whether Penge would emulate Tom McKibbin and snub the card to join LIV. But speaking to Ten Golf, Penge confirmed he is planning to play on the PGA Tour next year.
Unsurprisingly, several fans on social media think it is a notable setback for LIV. One person posted: ‘The best players are avoiding LIV like the plague. Who would have thought throwing your career away for money wouldn’t resonate with the up and coming stars?‘
Another said: ‘Why would any talented player go to second rate LIV? Less visibility, respect, events, and opportunities to play in majors.‘ Someone else posted: ‘It’s refreshing to hear a very talented young golfer having ambition, wanting to improve & play competitive golf as opposed to seeking easy money. Well done Marco Penge.‘
One fan wrote: ‘Big win for PGA Tour. Side note, well done Mizuno. Feels like they needed someone with star potential and this guy has it‘.
And the hopes are high for Penge Stateside, with one person saying: ‘This guy is going to be must watch on the PGA Tour. Seems like a European equivalent to Cam Young but wins (and smiles) more often‘.
Another wrote: ‘Will be fun to see him play on the PGAT. He’s an exciting player. Could become a big star in golf, already on his way.‘
But there was a bit of a warning, with one person reacting to Penge’s comments by saying: ‘This has been said in some variation by virtually every player who went to LIV.‘
The comment Marco Penge made about LIV Golf during the Ryder Cup
Wearing black Adidas shoes and a shirt which could be mistaken for a Torque GC jersey, Penge almost resembled Joaquin Niemann on Sunday in Spain.
Like the Chilean, he hits the ball a long, long way.
So while he is not a household name across the globe just yet, it would have been a potential coup for LIV had they managed to sign Penge.
Unfortunately, it appears that he may not be the biggest fan of the league – judging by what he posted while watching the Ryder Cup last month.
Of course, there will be plenty of outstanding players who do not tune in to golf when they are not on the course. But Penge stating that he has never watched LIV is fairly damning.
Golf has learned to never say never over the last few years. However, it certainly looks highly unlikely that LIV will be signing the 27-year-old in the coming months.
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