LIV Golfer Amid Rumors: 'I’m Definitely Never Going Back to the PGA Tour' – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Thomas Pieters stood amid uncertainty in Mexico City, where LIV Golf players gathered for their latest event. Reports of Saudi funding cuts had cast a shadow, prompting speculation that even the tournament might not proceed. The Belgian golfer called his family back home, signaling his preparedness to step away from the sport entirely if the league folded abruptly. His recent podcast revelations underscore a profound disconnect with his past on the PGA Tour.
The Shockwave in Mexico City
Players arrived for LIV Golf Mexico City gripped by doubt. The atmosphere turned grim as whispers spread about the Saudi Public Investment Fund pulling support after the current season.[1][2] Pieters described the tension lasting only a few hours before he tuned it out. He contacted his family, stating he was ready to retire on the spot if the league ended suddenly.
“I called home and I was like I’m ready to retire on Monday if they pull the plug that quick, and that was OK with me, kind of,” Pieters recounted on the “Dan on Golf” podcast.[1] No official word had come from LIV leadership, leaving competitors to question the event’s viability. Pieters emphasized his focus remained on the remaining six or seven tournaments in the 2026 schedule.
Life Before LIV: A Tough Grind
Pieters built a solid career on the DP World Tour, securing six victories and representing Europe in the Ryder Cup. He ventured onto the PGA Tour but found the experience unfulfilling. The relentless schedule clashed with his preferences, leaving him unhappy despite his accomplishments.
From a modest start in Belgium, Pieters achieved more than he once imagined possible. Yet he acknowledged his place outside the elite tier. “I have gotten a lot out of it already… But I will be forgotten, which is fine. I’m no Brooks Koepka, or Rory, and I’m completely fine with that,” he reflected.[1] This perspective shaped his decision to join LIV Golf in February 2023, aligning with the league’s team format and lighter calendar as part of the 4Aces GC squad.
No Path Back to the PGA Tour
Pieters left no ambiguity about his future plans. He ruled out a PGA Tour comeback unequivocally, even if LIV ceased operations. The lifestyle simply did not suit him, a sentiment rooted in his earlier trials on the American circuit.
“I’m definitely never going back to the PGA Tour. I’ve never liked that life. And that’s not me having a go at the PGA Tour, it’s not for me,” he stated firmly.[1][2] “I tried it and I just wasn’t happy there.” Payments from LIV continued as expected, with minor delays for some, easing immediate concerns amid the broader turmoil.[2]
Charting a Course Forward
LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil confronts a massive challenge in securing new investment for 2027. Players receive updates on par with public announcements, often just hours in advance. A team meeting loomed ahead of the next event at Trump National Golf Club outside Washington, D.C., where clarity might emerge.[3]
If the league persists, Pieters plans to compete through the season’s end. Otherwise, the DP World Tour offers appeal, allowing proximity to family in Europe. “If it [LIV Golf] goes away, I’ll probably try and play some on the European Tour or I don’t know,” he said.[4] He weighed factors like prize money against personal priorities, noting some peers might follow suit.
Key Statements from Pieters:
- “I’m definitely never going back to the PGA Tour.”
- “The atmosphere was very grim.”
- “I’m not fussed about it at this point.”
- “I’m ready to retire on Monday if they pull the plug.”
As LIV navigates this pivotal juncture, Pieters’ resolve highlights the personal stakes in professional golf’s divided landscape. His choice to prioritize contentment over convention signals a shift for mid-tier talents weighing loyalty against lifestyle. The coming weeks will test whether the league can stabilize, but for Pieters, one door stays firmly shut.