The future of LIV Golf hangs in the balance as the 2026 season approaches, and with it comes the burning question: what punishment should LIV players face if they want to return to the PGA Tour? Harris English has weighed in with a strong opinion, and it's one that's sure to stir up conversation among golf fans.
LIV Golf is currently navigating uncertain waters. With the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia planning to withdraw its financial backing, the league is scrambling for new investors. Many believe the days of LIV as we know it are numbered, and while some players like Anirban Lahiri have claimed a dozen LIV golfers would rather retire than return to the PGA Tour, others are already exploring their options.
During The Masters, Bryson DeChambeau's management reportedly held talks with PGA Tour officials to understand the potential pathway back. It's hard to imagine he was the only one. This raises the central debate: what penalties should these players face?
Brooks Koepka set a precedent when he made the jump back to the PGA Tour, accepting a $5 million donation to charity and the requirement to earn his way back before playing in any signature events. But English believes that should be the baseline, not the ceiling.
"In my opinion, the punishment should be either what Brooks got or even harsher because he was the first one to stick his neck out," English said on the Golf Channel this week. "He came off LIV and made that jump, so he got the best of both worlds."
English acknowledged that PGA Tour higher-ups like Rolapp are focused on improving the tour rather than planning for LIV's potential collapse. "Those LIV players are still under contract, so from his perspective, he's not really thinking about that," English explained. "He's thinking about how can we make the PGA Tour better."
As the golf world watches to see how this saga unfolds, one thing is clear: the door back to the PGA Tour won't be an easy one to walk through. For fans and players alike, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of professional golf.