Follow us on Google Discover LIV golfers have arrived at a fork in the road.
After the Saudi Public Investment Fund withdrew support from the tour this season, LIV Golf have been forced into a new era. Players must decide whether they want to be part of what CEO Scott O’Neil is calling “LIV 2.0” or play their golf elsewhere.
Tyrrell Hatton and Tom McKibbin appear to have made their decision. On the party hole at LIV Indianapolis, Hatton chose “I Want to Break Free” by Queen as his introductory song, and McKibbin chose “Breaking Free” from High School Musical. These were intentional nods to their desire to leave LIV, according to reports.
But not every player will be jumping ship, and one LIV golfer has already declared his intention to sign up for the new LIV Golf, however it may look.
Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty ImagesRichard Bland says it’s a ‘no-brainer’ to re-sign with LIV Golf
In the week’s build-up to LIV Indianapolis, which is the final event of the season after LIV’s team finale in Michigan was cancelled, the players were invited to a meeting with the new potential investors of the league.
Richard Bland, who recently admitted that he joined LIV for the money and no other reason, said he was encouraged by the meeting.
Speaking to Beyond the Clubhouse, he said, “It was very positive. He seems like a great guy, so we all came out of that feeling good about what’s in the future. Not much more to say on it than that. Obviously there’s still stuff up in the air, but overall it’s been positive.”
Bland was asked if he’s seen enough from the new investors to re-sign with the tour, and he said it’s his only option for 2027.
The 53-year-old said, “The thing is for me, I don’t really have a huge amount on the other side anyway, so it’s a no-brainer for me. I was always going to sign up anyway, so it’s a pretty easy decision for me.”
Richard Bland shares thoughts on reports that Jon Rahm is leaving LIV
Reports emerged this week that Jon Rahm was seeking a deal with the PGA Tour that would see him return next season. These reports have been contested, but they were still put to LIV players in Indianapolis.
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Bland responded to what has been written about Rahm leaving the tour, saying, “There’s so much BS in the media. There always has been on LIV. I kind of take it with a pinch of salt. I don’t really pay too much attention to it. Jon’s going to do what’s best for him.
How do you feel about Jon Rahm potentially returning to the PGA Tour?
What punishment should he face?
“I’ve managed to play with him probably seven or eight times. He’s a great guy to play with; getting to play with one of the best players in the world has been a huge thrill for me.
“What’s been written in the media, I don’t pay too much attention to that.”
That’s been the line from almost all of the LIV players when asked about Rahm. For now, they’re toeing the party line.
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