LIV Golf's Thomas Pieters has made it clear he has no intention of returning to the PGA Tour, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the breakaway league's future. The former Ryder Cup star stated, "I never liked that life," ruling out a comeback to the American golf tour.
Pieters' Stance on PGA Tour
Pieters, 34, is among several high-profile golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, who joined LIV Golf and have recently faced questions about the league's long-term viability. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has announced plans to withdraw its funding at the end of the current season, leaving LIV Golf searching for new investment.
Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed have already left LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour, putting pressure on remaining players to decide their futures. LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil has pledged to work "like crazy" to keep the organization alive beyond this season.
Pieters' Future Plans
Pieters remains focused on the current LIV season but is open to what may happen next year. He prefers playing on the European Tour over returning to the PGA. "I'm definitely never going back to the PGA Tour," Pieters said. "I've never liked that life. And that's not me having a go at the PGA Tour, it's not for me."
He added, "I tried it and I just wasn't happy there. If it (LIV) goes away, I'll probably try and play some on the European Tour or I don't know. I really don't know." Pieters emphasized his duty to focus on the remaining six or seven LIV tournaments, saying, "We'll see."
Financial Considerations
Pieters acknowledged that financial incentives could influence his decision. "We got paid. We are getting paid. It was a week late. Some got it early, some got it a week late, but I'm not sure these guys check their bank accounts every two seconds," he said.
He noted that Scott O'Neil has been transparent about the league's plans. "I think whatever comes out officially from LIV is what we're getting half a day before it goes out. Scott is telling us that he's going to a broader market and trying to fund this for next year. I guess it's a massive challenge. But we just have to wait and see."
Pieters concluded, "We are just guessing right now. But if we're playing for $5 million next year or I could play on the DP World Tour for $3 million but be close to home, that's something I'd have to look at when it comes. Possibly there's guys going. But I think that's up to Scott and his team to get this thing together, and we'll just have to find out."
