Since its launch in 2021, LIV Golf has successfully attracted numerous top-tier players, drawing significant attention from PGA Tour professionals worldwide. The controversial Saudi-backed league offers enticing pay packages and a lighter schedule compared to its rivals.
Over the years, high-profile names like Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, and Jon Rahm have joined its ranks. Rumors are circulating that more current PGA players may make the switch ahead of the 2025 season. As the LIV Golf season wraps up with the Team Championship in Dallas this week, the organization is expected to be active in the off-season, aiming to recruit more big names from the PGA Tour.
At last year’s season finale in Miami, Mickelson revealed that he had spoken with several stars from both the PGA and DP World Tours who expressed interest in joining LIV. Following those discussions, players such as Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Adrian Meronk signed on with the league, and it’s likely we could see similar transitions this winter. Here, Express Sport breaks down all the major names rumored to be considering a move to LIV Golf before the 2025 season…
Hideki Matsuyama
Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments, has been very open about his desire to sign Hideki Matsuyama. The Japanese golfer, currently ranked seventh in the Official World Golf Rankings, was identified as a key target for LIV Golf back in February. In a candid conversation with Golf Digest, Norman stated, “I’ll give you another example. We’ve been trying to get Hideki Matsuyama. I don’t mind admitting that. When Hideki won in L.A., what was the first thing I did? I said, ‘Congratulations, Hideki. I’m proud of you, mate.'”
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Matsuyama, 32, turned professional on the Japan Golf Tour in 2013, winning his second tournament, the Tsuyura Open, that same year. By 2014, he qualified for the PGA Tour based on non-member earnings. Over the past decade, he has achieved ten victories on the Tour, including the 2014 Memorial and The Masters in 2021.
Adam Scott
Golf Magic reports that Australian golfer Adam Scott may be a target for LIV Golf this winter. Recognized as “an established international player and major champion,” convincing him to leave the PGA Tour could be difficult, especially since he serves on the policy board alongside Tiger Woods.
Scott has had a successful career on the PGA Tour, accumulating 14 wins, which include the 2004 Players Championship, the 2006 Tour Championship, and the 2020 Genesis Invitational. He also claimed the Masters title in 2019, triumphing over Angel Cabrera in a thrilling playoff.
Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland generated excitement in the golfing community with rumors of a possible move to LIV Golf. However, he ultimately chose to stay with the PGA Tour, sharing his thoughts in an interview with Golf Monthly.
He stated, “At the end of the day, the question is, ‘What’s going to make me a better player?’ And hey, in 20 years, if I’m at the back end of my career, playing LIV Golf wouldn’t be too bad. It might have been a pretty cool opportunity, but right now, I think I’d probably look back on it and regret it.” At just 27, with six PGA Tour victories—including an impressive third-place finish at this year’s PGA Championship—Hovland seems set to continue his career on the PGA Tour for the foreseeable future.
Rickie Fowler
Golf star Rickie Fowler has been on Greg Norman’s radar for the controversial LIV Golf series. Although he was reportedly tempted by a substantial financial offer, Fowler opted for loyalty to the PGA Tour. His reasoning was featured in Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’: “[Joining LIV] wasn’t the best choice for me.
“I’m not out there playing for a paycheck; I’m out there to compete with the best players in the world, and I believe the Tour is the best place to be. I’d like to see it continue that way.” Fowler has achieved six victories on the PGA Tour, including the 2015 Players Championship and a recent win at the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Tony Finau
In the world of golf, Tony Finau was reportedly on the verge of joining LIV Golf this year. However, he ultimately chose to remain loyal to the PGA Tour for his tenth season. With a four-month break ahead, there’s potential for LIV scouts to influence his decision as 2025 approaches.
Finau has achieved nine professional victories, six of which are on the PGA Tour, beginning with his win at the 2016 Puerto Rico Open and most recently celebrating a victory at the 2023 Mexico Open. While he has yet to secure a major championship, he has come close, finishing third at the 2019 Open Championship and tying for third at the 2024 US Open.
Wyndham Clark
Wyndham Clark was rumored to be joining Jon Rahm on the LIV Golf circuit during the 2024 off-season, but he ultimately decided to stick with the PGA Tour. The 30-year-old from Denver expressed some interest in the rival tour, stating, “I definitely met with LIV and went through those discussions. I wanted to see what they could bring to the table.”
Although Clark has only three PGA Tour victories, he made headlines by outperforming golfing icon Rory McIlroy at last year’s US Open. It remains to be seen if LIV will pursue him for a potential deal this winter.
