'That is the biggest joke...' - LIV Golf player claims 12 golfers would rather retire than return to PGA Tour

One of LIV Golf's longest-serving players has suggested 12 players would rather retire from the sport altogether than return to the PGA Tour.

LIV's long-term future is uncertain, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) cutting funding by the end of 2026.

The controversial golf tour is still attempting to secure outside funding. However, many players are in limbo regarding the next step in their careers.

Jon Rahm will be allowed to return to the DP World Tour and be eligible for the 2027 Ryder Cup after a lengthy stand-off.

Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau has suggested he'll become a full-time content creator if LIV ceases to exist.

Other players are reportedly desperate to go back to the PGA Tour, which they initially abandoned to join LIV Golf. Anirban Lahiri, a teammate of DeChambeau's, has insisted he knows of several stars who'd step away from the green rather than 'fall over backwards' for the PGA.

He told The Times: "That is the biggest joke ever. I will not name names, but I know at least a dozen players who’d rather not play golf than go back to the PGA Tour.

"I’m sure others have different opinions of it and I respect that as well, but to generalise that everybody is falling over backwards to come back to the PGA Tour is the same kind of propaganda we’ve had for four years."

Lahiri has been with LIV Golf for nearly four years, bringing home a cool $35million (£25.7million) in prize money across 50 events.

He's also speculated the PGA Tour wouldn't be willing to roll out the carpet for those who turned their back on it for LIV Golf.

The 38-year-old continued: "I don’t have status with the DP World Tour and I’m 100 per cent certain the PGA Tour is not going to welcome any of us back with open arms.

"If I have to figure something out, I think I can, but I don’t need to stress about it now."

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Rory McIlroy's thoughts on welcoming LIV players back

Two-time Masters champion Rory McIlroy couldn't disagree more with Lahiri's point of view.

The Irishman is relieved about Rahm being eligible for the Ryder Cup, admitting it makes the team stronger.

He also believes the tearaway players should be allowed to play on the PGA Tour once again. During an appearance on Stick To Football, McIlroy said: "They’ve made the money, but they’ve paid their consequence in terms of the reputation and some of the things they’ve lost by going over there.

"If it made the overall tour stronger to have Bryson DeChambeau back and whoever else, I would be OK with it. But again, it’s not just me, and I recognise that not everyone is in my position. It would be up to the collective group of PGA Tour members to make that decision."