“There still has to be consequences to actions,” Those were Rory McIlroy‘s words in June 2023, shortly after the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund shocked the golf world with their merger announcement. The Northern Irishman was clear and direct. Players who left couldn’t simply waltz back in. His stance reflected the anger many felt toward those who had departed for LIV’s millions. Now, McIlroy’s stance has softened as he believes unification needs to happen for the game’s best interest, but more people are sharing their thoughts about LIV golfers returning to the Tour if the merger goes through.

The most latest voice is of the PGA Championship winner Lanny Wadkins. He didn’t mince words when discussing the potential return of LIV stars to the Tour. “I would like to see Jon Rahm, and Koepka and DeChambeau play more often. That would be nice. But there’s also got to be repercussions,” Wadkins stated on Golf Today. Rahm, DeChambeau, and Koepka are some of the biggest names on the LIV Golf, and their defection could arguably be the one that impacted the PGA Tour the most.

The 21-time PGA Tour winner specifically mentioned star players like Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Bryson DeChambeau as these golfers left for nine-figure paydays at LIV Golf. Now, merger talks could potentially bring them back to PGA Tour events.

Wadkin’s stance aligns with current World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who expressed similar sentiments last year. “If they want a pathway back, there should be one, but it definitely shouldn’t just be coming back the first week they want to play,” Scheffler said. He emphasized that loyalty should be valued. “We remained loyal to a tour, a tour that was loyal to us. There should be some sort of caveat to them getting back on our tour.”

Wadkins has been notably outspoken about the financial motivations behind player defections. “I’m disappointed in some people that put money above other things. There was always plenty of money in golf,” he said earlier this year. He questioned the “generational wealth” argument many used as justification. “Are they all going to be living on private islands?” Many players on LIV Golf have admitted that the primary reason for their leaving was the money.

The World Golf Hall of Famer has concrete ideas about appropriate penalties. He suggested a minimum fine of $5 million for returning players. He also proposed a one-year suspension from PGA Tour events. “That’s not fair to the guys who’ve supported the tour and been here the whole time,” Wadkins argued. His stance is rooted in eight Ryder Cup appearances and decades of dedication to the PGA Tour.

His position reflects growing sentiment among players who rejected LIV’s lucrative offers. Many believe their commitment should not be overlooked in any potential agreement. They stayed loyal despite watching peers cash in with Saudi-backed contracts. Now they want assurance that their loyalty carries meaning.

Merger talks progress amid clashing visions for golf’s future

The consolidation discussions continue to face significant challenges. Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recently met with President Donald Trump at the White House. He acknowledged progress toward bringing all elite men’s golf under one umbrella. This marks a dramatic shift from the tour’s initial permanent bans for LIV defectors.

“It’s the reunification of the professional game on one tour, with all the best players on it,” Monahan declared, as previously reported. Legal experts have consistently argued that player bans could violate antitrust laws. The Department of Justice scrutiny has forced significant shifts in the Tour’s position.

Interestingly, McIlroy himself has reversed course on his earlier hardline stance. Once LIV’s fiercest critic, he now advocates for a penalty-free return. This shift has created new divisions among PGA Tour stars. Players like Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler quickly opposed this idea. They prefer consequences for those who departed.

However, LIV Golf seems to have different ideas about the future landscape. New CEO Scott O’Neil has emphasized collaboration rather than absorption. “That may unlock opportunity with markets, courses, marketing partners, television networks,” O’Neil explained. His vision focuses on expansion rather than dissolution of the LIV brand.

Even major voices like Rory McIlroy have changed their tune. Once LIV’s fiercest critic, McIlroy now advocates for moving forward together. “Everyone’s just got to get over it. We don’t look behind us, whatever’s happened, happened,” the Northern Irishman stated recently. His reversal signals the complex dynamics at play.

The ultimate resolution remains uncertain. Will Wadkins’ call for significant penalties gain traction? Or will golf’s power brokers prioritize bringing all top players together, regardless of past decisions? The answer may shape professional golf’s landscape for decades to come. What do you think – should LIV defectors face consequences for returning to the PGA Tour?