Now that the PGA Tour has concluded for another season, we are now fully in the season of the rumour. Although the 2024 LIV season is yet to conclude, speculation has already begun as to who from the PGA Tour could become the latest player to join the breakaway Tour.
In just its second ever full season, slowly but surely LIV is capturing the imagination of the sporting public. Crowds are up, the product seems more viable and has been proven over the last two years, LIV players are still exceptionally relevant when it comes to competing for golf’s biggest prizes.
Perhaps more than ever, LIV looks like an attractive proposition and if they could lure a PGA giant such as Jon Rahm nobody will be off limits next season. With the rumour mill already ablaze, here are five names that could shock the world and line up for LIV next season.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schuaffele has long been a reported target for LIV officials and was reportedly close to joining the LIV ranks last year. An outspoken critic of current PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monaghan, Schauffele has cemented his position in the game with his two major victories and those major wins would now give him far greater leverage.
In what would be viewed as a real coup for LIV, Schauffele knows that he has secured his presence in the majors for the foreseeable future and with the promise of generational wealth now could be the time where the Californian really evaluates his future.
With his stock at an all time high, you can be assured that Schaufelle will be a man in demand and it will be interesting to see if this time LIV can be successful in acquiring their man.
Chances of joining LIV: 3/5
Patrick Cantlay
Another man who has been closely associated with a switchover to the LIV tour is Patrick Cantlay. Cantlay has made no secret of his desire to maximise his earnings and it has been reported that he is unhappy playing in events such as the Ryder Cup as the players aren’t able to earn money from appearing in them.
Clearly a hugely smart guy, Cantlay is another who has been critical of the PGA hierarchy and a move to LIV wouldn’t be deemed as a huge shock, however there are a few things potentially standing in LIV’s way.
Unlike Schauffele, Cantlay doesn’t hold any exemptions to the majors, able to play based purely off his world ranking, if Cantlay were to move to LIV, his time competing in the majors would be limited. Secondly, Cantlay is a leading voice when it comes to the PGA Tour’s Player Committee. Trusted by his colleagues as a voice of reason, Cantlay is committed to making the PGA Tour a better place. Having worked himself into such a position of influence, Cantlay may be unwilling to throw that away.
Chances of joining LIV: 2/5
(Image by: patrickcantlay)
Tony Finau
Tony Finau is one of the most gifted players on the PGA Tour. A devastating ball striker, when the big American gets on a roll there are very few players in the game that can stop him.
Another target that has long been a target for the LIV hierarchy, Finau is a hugely popular player wherever he plays and would certainly help make the LIV offering stronger than it currently is.
Like Cantlay, Finau is only eligible to play in the majors due to his world ranking and if he harbours any hopes of being a major winner, a move to LIV may prevent that from happening.
One area that could play into LIV’s hands is that Finau has a threat of legal proceedings hanging over him from a previous manager. With Finau denying claims that he owes his former management anything, the promise of untold millions could be exceptionally timely particularly if Finau needs to reach an expensive settlement.
Chances of joining LIV: 3/5
Viktor Hovland
Rewind a year ago and Viktor Hovland had the golfing world at his feet. The FedEx Champion from 2023, Hovland and his all action game was reportedly a major target for LIV officials.
Not wanting to jeopardise his PGA future, the Norwegian dedicated to pledge his future to the PGA Tour but after a difficult year, Hovland could be seeking out new pastures. Having undergone a string of swing changes, Hovland was unable to make a dent in too many leaderboards this season. Although he qualified for the season ending Tour Championships, 2024 was a poor one and at times Hovland looked like a figure of frustration.
Another sceptic of the direction that professional game is heading, Hovland might be a more attainable target this time around and although he would be a huge loss to the PGA Tour it is a move that many inside the game could see happening.
Chances of joining LIV: 3/5
(Image by: viktor_hovland)
Rory McIlroy
There has been no bigger LIV sceptic than Rory McIlroy. Often pitched as the PGA Tour’s spokesman when it came to criticising the potential dividing impact that LIV was having on the professional game, in the last twelve months McIlroy’s stance has greatly changed. More receptive of what LIV have been able to put together, the four time major winner is now of the mindset that the game needs to come together and if that includes LIV then so be it.
With rifts healing, right now is an interesting time in McIlroy’s career. Having just completed his busiest season in some years, McIlroy’s hopes that playing golf all around the calendar would end his major drought would sadly be dashed as his long and elusive wait for a fifth major still continues.
Upon finishing well down the field at the Tour Championship, the Northern Irishman was open in reflecting that next season he will take on a reduced schedule. With LIV offering a generous playing schedule, many believe that if McIlroy is planning on playing a more friendly schedule then LIV could be the place to do it.
Able to command more money than has been offered to anybody switching allegiances from the PGA Tour, McIlroy could shock the world by deciding to leave for LIV.
Standing in LIV’s way in completing one of the biggest acquisitions in the history of the sport is McIlroy’s close allegiance to Tiger Woods. With the two sharing many business interests, their long awaited TGL Golf League is set to kick off in 2025 and with hopes that the TGL could become a major player in the golfing scene anyone who dreams of McIlroy teeing it up at LIV may have to put those thoughts on ice until at least 2026.
Chances of joining LIV: 1/5
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
