LIV golfer says he'll never return to the PGA Tour, reveals internal discussions, whether players were paid

Key Points:

• LIV Golf is facing significant financial challenges as the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) plans to end its backing after the 2026 season, forcing the league to seek new investors to continue operations.
• CEO Scott O’Neil remains publicly confident about the season proceeding as planned, but cancellations, such as an event in Louisiana, have increased speculation about the tour's future and the fate of its players.
• Questions loom over whether LIV players will face penalties or need to re-earn PGA Tour status if the tours reunify, with some players like Thomas Pieters firmly rejecting a return to the PGA Tour.
• Thomas Pieters, a seven-time professional winner, stated he is unwilling to return to the PGA Tour regardless of LIV Golf’s future, preferring to potentially play on the European Tour or explore other options.
• Despite rumors of payment delays, Pieters confirmed that LIV players have been paid, though sometimes with slight delays, and noted that players receive limited internal communication about LIV’s future plans.