Scottie Scheffler is open to the return of LIV Golf players who pursued Saudi money, but only if they face some form of penalty.

Rory McIlroy suggested that unification might happen eventually, though he paused when asked on Wednesday about the value they would bring to the PGA Tour.

“I mean, I’d argue have they brought value to LIV?” McIlroy remarked at the BMW Championship.

LIV Golf’s future is now under intense scrutiny, as this week’s Indianapolis event marks the final tournament of the year for a league that will no longer receive funding from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

LIV CEO Scott O’Neil remained optimistic about plans for 2027 and beyond, stating that players would become equity owners and regain their commercial rights.

He outlined a plan for five team championships overseas and five individual tournaments in the United States, scheduled near the majors for those who qualify.

He declined to identify the lead investor with whom LIV has reached an agreement.

Several outlets have identified him as Ted Goldthorpe of BC Partners, who met with players on Tuesday.

O'Neil said there was a deadline for players to commit to LIV 2.0 without specifying when it is.

He has also not mentioned the size of the proposed investment.

LIV Golf has spent more than $5 billion over five years.

“Our singular objective is to reach this transaction and see it through,” O’Neil said.

“Without the players, that becomes exceedingly challenging.

I am reasonably confident, based on my discussions, that we will secure a critical mass of the right players to propel this league forward.”

The pivotal figures for LIV are Jon Rahm, whose contract extends beyond 2027, and Bryson DeChambeau, whose agreement expires this year.

Both are two-time major champions and stand as the two most prominent names remaining on LIV Golf.

Brooks Koepka was the first player to return to the PGA Tour this year, but only under conditions: he could not play in the $20 million signature events unless he earned his spot, had to donate $5 million to charity, and received no equity.

The tour valued the penalty at $50 million or more.

The tour subsequently extended the same offer—with a two-week deadline—to Rahm, DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith, all of whom have claimed major titles since LIV's inception in 2022.

"When we talk about the best players, LIV has a few players that are really good," Scheffler said.

"I think the depth that we have on our tour is unmatched, but I think when you look at the higher levels of LIV Golf there's definitely some players that would provide a lot of value to the tour, and guys that I love competing against as well."

It is evident that, moving forward, some form of punitive measures will inevitably need to be introduced.

The specific penalties, he indicated, would be determined at the discretion of PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp.

McIlroy has been the most outspoken critic of LIV from the outset.

While he has moderated his rhetoric over the years, he suggested in February 2025 that players “have to get over it” when it comes to finding a way to reintegrate those who defected.

He sounded more hesitant on Wednesday, noting that the top players had been given their chance to return at the start of the year, and that any offer would likely not be as favorable as the one made to Koepka.

“I’m not part of these discussions, but I’m fairly confident they won’t be welcomed back immediately,” McIlroy said.

“I believe it was mentioned at the time that the deal they might receive going forward — should they decide to return — wouldn’t be as favorable as the one Brooks secured.

Undoubtedly, the path to recovery will be exceedingly arduous.

This is likely to prove particularly arduous for LIV, especially given that at least two lawsuits from vendors are currently pending.

Canadian-based Mobbi Systems Group filed a lawsuit in Miami last month.

The technology company, which supplied LIV’s “Any Shot, Any Time” feature on broadcasts, is seeking more than $1 million for unpaid invoices and lost revenue.

In a separate lawsuit filed last month in New York, Colorado-based Fresh Tape Media is seeking upwards of $1.2 million that LIV owes the company for producing its preseason media preview days.

"What I would say to them is that we are doing everything we can to ensure we do right by them and the work they've committed to, and I hope we can," O'Neil said.

"For the next generation, it will certainly be a different business with a different process."

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