LIV Golf Optimistic For Banned Players’ Future Integration Into PGA Tour

The PGA Tour concluded its season on Sunday, but LIV Golf has three more events on its schedule and remains bullish on operating as normal next year.

Despite the controversial league’s uncertain future as Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund negotiates a definitive agreement with the PGA Tour, LIV’s 2024 schedule could be unveiled before its next tournament in Chicago from Sept. 22-24.

“We’re putting the final pieces to that,” acting COO Gary Davidson told Front Office Sports. “I would be surprised if we didn’t have it within the next couple of weeks.”

Details have been scarce on a timeline for banned players potentially returning to the PGA Tour, but LIV appears to see a clear path forward, encouraging its golfers to play wherever and as much as they want outside of its 14 planned events per year.

“We want them to compete in our team events and commit to that,” Davidson said. “… But outside of that, we think it’s good for the game for players to go and play elsewhere.”

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan originally said he didn’t see LIV existing alongside the PGA Tour but complications with completing the framework agreement could mean that LIV will be operating as its own entity until at least 2025.

A task force has been developed by the PGA Tour to determine how to allow banned players back and best compensate players who remained loyal. The PGA Tour will host 10 more events in 2023 under its new fall series, and the Ryder Cup takes place in late September.