We’re now almost four years down the line since LIV Golf emerged on the scene and changed the game forever.
LIV’s rise, backed by the PIF of Saudi Arabia and pushed by Greg Norman in his role as CEO, has shifted the state of the game of golf forever.
In 2025, LIV has some of the biggest names in golf on their roster and while TV numbers might not be what they want right now, they’re very much still a force to be reckoned with.
Huge sums of money to attract those players, as well as this idea of changing and developing the game outside of the norm, has seen plenty of controversy over the years.
Still, while money has been a big draw for many, there are those on the PGA Tour side who have been steadfast in saying they won’t ever make the move.
Now, two years on from making his stance known, we’re taking a look at just what Will Zalatoris had to say about never making the LIV move.
What Will Zalatoris said about never joining LIV Golf
While players like Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and others jumped ship for massive sums of money in the 100s of millions of dollars, many PGA Tour players have remained loyal.
Rory McIlroy is the obvious one but given his financial status anyway, he’d not even need to consider being tempted by LIV.
But for someone like Will Zalatoris, a player very much still finding his feet in the game, money could matter more.
However, even for Zalatoris, it’s just not about money.
“If you look at the guys who have gone, and I’ve no problem with the guys who have but no disrespect to them, a lot of them are older or been injured, or been on the road for 20 plus years,” Zalatoris said.
“I’ve never done this for money, ever. Like if the US Open had a $100,000 purse, I’d still show up to the US Open. I don’t know what it was this year, like $17m. I’m in this to win a major. That’s my career goal so if LIV doesn’t have golf ranking points, then I lose my chances of playing in majors. I’ve chased it for 20 years. There’s no amount of money I’d give to trade that for not getting that trophy.”
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Will Zalatoris’ record since saying he’d not play on LIV Golf
Unfortunately for Zalatoris, his career has stumbled massively since he made these comments in 2023.
Not through any fault of his own really, but purely because injuries have played havoc on Zalatoris.
In 2025, the 28-year-old has only managed to play in 11 events, with a best finish of T12 coming at the American Express right at the start of the season.
2024 was slightly better for the American, as he managed 22 starts, picking up six top 25 finishes along the way including a runner-up spot at The Genesis and a T9 at The Masters.
Hopefully, Zalatoris can put his injuries behind him soon and get back to his best.
If he can do that, then winning that major championship he yearns for will not seem quite as hard.
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