“I’m still here playing the PGA TOUR. We had a tour where we all played together, and the guys that left, it’s their responsibility, I think, to bring the tours back together. Go see where they’re playing this week and ask them.” This was Scheffler’s response ahead of the Charles Schwab Challenge taking place at Fort Worth. He was asked whether he had any idea about the status of the potential merger between LIV Golf and PGA Tour, when he gave this nonchalant response.

That was discussed in detail in golf circles. Scheffler‘s reply drew some heavy parallels to Rory McIlroy‘s previous reaction: “It takes two to tango. So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it sort of makes it tough,” putting the onus on the LIV guys. The difference is that McIlroy’s response comes from a place of knowledge that the PGA Tour has put in effort to bring the two tours closer. For Scheffler, it does not matter as much as the golf he plays.

Brendan Porath discussed Scheffler’s mindset in detail during the latest episode of the Fried Egg Golf podcast. “He doesn’t think they should be engaged. They can come engage us. In reality, it is black and white.” For Scheffler, to sit and analyze every single piece of information is a huge task in itself, especially considering that he was not involved in the initial exodus of the former PGA Tour pros. The World No.1 is completely focused on the task at hand, which is to win on the course. For him, the opponents do not matter.

“They left, they blew it up. They can either fix it or not. I play on the Tour I have always played on. They want to come back, they can come back.” The podcast host explained. But why this question has some traction right now? Because the major got over.

The 2025 PGA Championship was one of the few occasions that PGA Tour fans got to see the LIV golfers in action. Bryson DeChambeau, one of the fan-favorites, vowed to the crowd and finished T2. Jon Rahm, another one of the big names, nearly challenged Scheffler for the title before slipping to T8.

Fans want the best quality of golf out there, and the majors so far have given that. Mainly because of the inclusion of the best players from all the circuits. The majors are a stern reminder to the fans and stakeholders alike of what could have been and should have been if it weren’t for the presence of LIV Golf. With the US Open set to take place next week and several players from the Saudi-backed Tour expected to feature, these questions are expected to gather momentum.

A merger looks highly unlikely given the current set of circumstances. The recent update was that LIV sent a letter to the PGA Tour with two demands for their investment – LIV Golf remains, and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the chairman of LIV Golf and governor of the PIF, would become a co-chairman of PGA Tour Enterprises. The PGA Tour responded quickly.

“The PGA Tour replied to the PIF’s demands on Monday, with neither deemed acceptable. Those with detailed knowledge of the situation stress reunification of golf is the PGA Tour’s core aim, a matter that is hardly assisted by LIV continuing in its present form. There would also be understandable unease within the PGA Tour should Rumayyan, whose organization has bankrolled LIV, be afforded such a prominent position as the breakaway tour continues on its own path.” The report stated.

Regardless of what happens, it is evident that Scheffler is unbothered. He is resigned to compete where he can get the best quality of golf and prove himself. Which is why his comments bear no ill will.

“It is not necessarily a critique of them. I love it. I think he is in a prominent place in the game where he can say that.” Porath further added. His co-host, Joseph Lamgana also pointed out that the PGA Tour “don’t really need a deal.” The World No.1 and No.2 certainly think so.

Scheffler’s comments about the competition and the quality that some players on the LIV circuit possess are a clear indicator of his thought process.

Scottie Scheffler does miss the competition

“I definitely miss the competition. They got some pretty good players on their tour. I still think the PGA Tour has by far the best players in the world. The depth of our fields and the competition that we have are still, hands down, the best competition that there is in the game of golf. That’s why I’m still playing on the tour,” Scheffler explained.

The two majors were highly entertaining duels comprising the best golfers in the world. Scheffler, who believes in the competitive aspect of golf, is undoubtedly miffed that such quality is not regular.

“One of the great joys of my career is going up against Jon. He’s a tremendous player, a tremendous talent. I was definitely surprised to see him leave last year, and I for sure miss playing against him. We had some great battles over the years. We had some great battles in the Ryder Cup,” Scheffler further shared.

If anyone threatened Scheffler’s third major title, it was Jon Rahm. At one point during the fourth round, both were neck and neck on top of the leaderboard. However, the Spaniard failed to keep his momentum stable, ending up with a 4-under-par score. Scheffler won the title with an 11-under-par.

Well, it feels nice to see the current World No.1 give props to the former World No.1.

Rahm will take part in the two majors this season, where the duo will go at each other’s throats yet again, metaphorically. While his Ryder Cup inclusion still remains questionable, the Spaniard will want to prove himself against Scheffler when the next opportunity comes.