Lucas Glover, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, openly opposed the idea of LIV Golf players rejoining the PGA Tour despite ongoing merger discussions between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The six-time PGA Tour winner voiced strong resistance to competing alongside those who left for LIV Golf, emphasizing his stance during recent remarks.
The golf community experienced division in 2021 with the establishment of LIV Golf, a new league backed by the PIF, which attracted multiple prominent players from the PGA Tour. Since LIV Golf’s inaugural event in 2022, tension has persisted between the two tours, with players from each side frequently exchanging criticisms and defending their respective leagues.
In June 2023, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan announced plans for a potential merger that would unify professional golf under a single organization. Part of this deal involves LIV Golf players returning to compete regularly on the PGA Tour, beyond the four major championships they participate in today.
Lucas Glover’s Firm Stance Against LIV Golfers’ Return
Despite the merger talks, which have recently slowed, Glover made it clear during an interview on SiriusXM PGA Tour radio that he does not welcome LIV Golf athletes back onto the PGA Tour. He stated he does not want to share the course with them because they made a conscious decision to leave the tour.
I don’t want to play with them, me personally. I don’t think they should be back here. I don’t want them here. They made their decision. I don’t blame any of them. They made a decision, I don’t care, but they also went away from this tour and chose to.
—Lucas Glover, PGA Tour Winner
Glover’s direct rejection also sparked a reaction on social media, where some fans and observers debated his position. Nevertheless, he reinforced his belief that players who left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf should not return casually, signaling a firm boundary on his willingness to compete alongside them again.
While Glover opposes their return, he acknowledged the commercial value that several high-profile LIV Golf players would bring to the PGA Tour’s audience and ratings. Players like Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm are among the stars fans hope to see competing regularly once more.
Meanwhile, Glover himself was preparing for the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run, where he posted a 1-over 72 in the first round, finishing tied for 113th. To continue competing in the tournament, he needs to improve his performance in the second round to make the cut.
Reaction from Tiger Woods’ Former Coach on Glover’s Comments
Glover’s outspoken comments generated varied reactions, including from Hank Haney, former coach of Tiger Woods. Haney responded succinctly, expressing understanding of Glover’s feelings toward LIV Golf players returning to the PGA Tour.
Of course he feels that way, why in the world would he feel any other way
—Hank Haney, Former Coach of Tiger Woods
Haney’s remark suggested that such sentiments are to be expected given the circumstances surrounding the split between the tours. Glover’s perspective sheds light on the lingering tensions and unresolved emotions held by many current PGA Tour members regarding the ongoing division and potential reintegration.
Ongoing Merger Discussions and the Future of Professional Golf
The merger talks, involving key figures like Jay Monahan, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and prominent players including Tiger Woods and Adam Scott, have seen intermittent progress. Earlier this year, Woods joined Monahan and Scott in visiting the White House to seek support from then U.S. President Donald Trump for the unification effort.
Despite their high-profile lobbying and negotiation attempts, concrete agreements have not materialized, and discussions appear stalled for now. The outcome of these talks will determine if the PGA Tour and LIV Golf can overcome their divisions and create a cohesive structure for all professional golfers.
Should the merger advance, it could significantly reshape the golfing landscape, impacting player dynamics, fan engagement, and the sport’s commercial appeal. Players like Lucas Glover, however, highlight the depth of resistance to reunification from some corners, indicating that challenges will persist beyond contractual or administrative resolutions.
As the situation develops, the golf world continues to watch closely how this landmark merger proposal will influence the future of the sport and its athletes.