PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp says they have spoken with some LIV Golf players about their futures in the sport. The long-time NFL executive did not name anyone, but Bryson DeChambeau claims to have spoken with the Tour.
LIV losing financial backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund after this season ends leaves DeChambeau and Co with uncertainty heading into next year. Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed already returned to the PGA Tour earlier this year.
However, the likes of DeChambeau and Rahm remain under contract. Rolapp has acknowledged that there is little that the Tour can currently do.
He said on The Rich Eisen Show: “The reality is that all of their guys are under contract. Until they’re not under contract, it’s not really an issue we need to worry about.
“We’re not spending a lot of time thinking about it, honestly. We’re spending most of our time thinking about our future and how we make the Tour better.”
Rolapp also said: “I don’t want to talk about personal conversations. I think it’s natural that there are a lot of people trying to figure out what their future might look like.”
View 2 ImagesBrian Rolapp has spoken extensively about the PGA Tour’s plans(Image: Getty Images)
DeChambeau mentioned Rolapp by name when discussing a potential return. He told Skratch: “I think there’s a way to solve any problem.
“It’s really about if the membership wants me back and if they just want me back, that’s what it’s about. I don’t even think it’s Brian Rolapp or anybody like one of the top executives, it’s really if the players want me back and if not, then I understand that.”
He also recently told various outlets that if a return were not possible, he would focus on YouTube. DeChambeau also said: “And then I’d love to play tournaments that want me.”
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McIlroy mentioned Rolapp, too, when discussing LIV after his second round at the Truist Championship. He said: “It’s a question if [players] do want to come back.
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“Obviously, we have seen the quotes over the last few days. And, you know, it seems like it all depends on what happens to LIV.
“But if it is a scenario where they have the option to come back and play on the traditional tours, you know, I think Brian Rolapp has said anything that makes this tour stronger, anything that makes the DP World Tour stronger, I think everyone should be open to that, that’s just good business practice.”
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