The war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is heading into its second year, and as time passes the defections from the legendary golf circuit to the Saudi Arabian-backed league have not slowed down at all.
The PGA and LIV both have major advantages over their rivals. The Tour is the most prestigious golf circuit in the world and has been considered the home of the best players for over a century. LIV Golf is the new kid on the block but has billions of dollars in resources and has been able to lure big names stars with paydays never seen before in the sport.
Related: LIV Golf scores another win over PGA Tour with latest majors news
Beyond the PGA Tour banning players from being able to compete in both circuits, they also had an extra element of leverage. Through their close ties with the independent promoters for the four golf majors they were able to give their players exclusive rights to compete at those events. Something LIV talent did not have.
However, that has all changed recently, and now LIV Golfers can face off with PGA stars at the PGA Championship, the Open Championship, the Masters, and the US Open. This means one of the top reasons some players have remained with the PGA is no longer a unique bonus of being loyal to the circuit that began in 1916.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at five players who could now see benefits in switching sides to be the next PGA Tour star that takes their talents to LIV Golf for life-changing sums of money.
Rickie Fowler
Rickie Fowler has been a star on the PGA Tour for the last decade. Dating back to his 2012 win at the Wells Fargo Championship. The 2015 Player’s Championship winner is currently at the back of the Fed Ex Cup top 25 rankings, however, he is still a known commodity to casual golf fans and would be a major addition to LIV.
Considering he still has prime years ahead of him and name value, he could definitely land a seven-figure signing bonus from the rival golf league.
Billy Horschel
Like Fowler, seven-time PGA winner Billy Horschel has been a notable talent on the tour for the last decade. The 2014 Fed Ex Cup Championship just turned 36 in December, and with him nearing his 40s, there could be a greater desire to cash in while his value is still strong. Winning tournaments in 2021 and 2022 proved he is still a high-level competitior in the sport right now.
Scottie Scheffler
Acquiring 2022 Masters winner Scottie Scheffler could be the next major move LIV Golf is aiming for. The 26-year-old has serious upside and already has five tour wins under his belt after turning pro in 2018. There is prestige to having a former green jacket winner on the roster, and LIV making a strong push for Scheffler seems likely in the near future.
Tony Finau
While Tony Finau has earned $34 million during his career on the PGA Tour, he could probably match that in less than half the time with LIV Golf — after factoring in signing bonuses. The player currently ranked in the top 10 of the Fed Ex Cup chase seems to be hitting a peak period in his career and will garner a lot of interest from LIV.
With the ability to compete in majors for either tour, making much more and still competing for the premiere titles could have serious appeal for Finau.
Max Homa
Max Homa is on a roll right now and already has two PGA Tour victories on his hit list in 2023. That is why he is one of the highest-ranked players on the Fed Ex Cup list. While there is great value in being a top star in the PGA currently, don’t be surprised if after the season LIV Golf offers the same reported $18 million signing bonus they gave to Dustin Johnson, to lure Homa to the dark side later this year.