Nick Faldo believes LIV Golf’s uncertain future could push some of its biggest names back toward traditional professional golf. The six-time major champion made the comments while preparing to host the British Masters at The Belfry. His remarks came after LIV completed its 2026 individual season in Indianapolis amid major changes to its financial structure.
Faldo specifically pointed to Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton as players who appear interested in returning to the wider golf world. He also renewed his criticism of Phil Mickelson and LIV’s claims about its impact on the sport. The comments add to the growing uncertainty surrounding LIV’s next chapter.
LIV Golf is entering a new chapter
LIV’s financial model changed dramatically in 2026 when Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund confirmed it would stop funding the league after the season. LIV then pursued outside investment and announced in August that it had reached an agreement with a new lead investor.
The next version is expected to operate on a smaller scale, with a shorter schedule and greater player involvement in ownership and decision-making. CEO Scott O’Neil has remained confident that the league can continue, but its final structure and roster are still developing.
Faldo sees that uncertainty as a turning point. Speaking ahead of the British Masters, he said it looked like more players were trying to leave LIV than join it.
Rahm and Hatton are at the center
Faldo singled out Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton when discussing players who could want a return to traditional golf. His wording was careful, but the situations around both players have already created discussion about what comes next. Rahm has been particularly difficult to read.
In July, when asked whether he expected to play LIV Golf in 2027, he declined to reveal details, saying he could not share information publicly. Reports later suggested Rahm could leave LIV after 2026. Media outlets also noted his agreement with the DP World Tour that helps preserve his Ryder Cup eligibility.
Hatton has offered a different public message. He said he expected LIV to exist next season and that he had multiple years remaining on his contract. His comments suggest he remains committed to the league despite the uncertainty surrounding its future.
Phil Mickelson remains a Faldo target
Faldo’s comments continued a long-running disagreement with Phil Mickelson. The two major champions have repeatedly represented different views of professional golf, particularly since Mickelson became one of LIV’s most prominent recruits. Faldo took particular issue with Mickelson’s claims that LIV is helping to grow the game globally.
He pointed to his own Faldo Series and its youth development work as evidence that the growth of golf does not begin with LIV. Mickelson’s playing schedule has also changed sharply. He played only one LIV event in 2026 and missed all four majors, the first time since 1990 that he failed to compete in any of them.
Mickelson remains connected to LIV through the HyFlyers and has previously said he wants to help build the franchise and contribute to its long-term future.
Fun fact: Faldo won six major championships, including three Masters titles, and became one of the defining European players of his generation.
Faldo wants traditional golf to benefit
For Faldo, the issue is bigger than individual contracts. He believes LIV’s uncertainty could strengthen established tours if returning players are properly reintegrated. He pointed to the four majors and Ryder Cup as competitions that continue to define the highest level of the sport. He also emphasized the appeal of 72-hole tournaments, established courses, and meaningful competition.
However, PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp has made clear that players who left will face consequences, saying the Tour’s rules must be enforced and returning players will not receive an automatic free pass.
The process could therefore involve eligibility, suspensions, contracts, and tour membership rather than a simple return. That could make the next stage of professional golf especially complicated for players weighing their options.
LIV’s biggest stars face different choices
The next stage will not look identical for every player. Rahm has taken steps to maintain his relationship with the DP World Tour, while Hatton says he expects to remain with LIV.
Bryson DeChambeau has also continued discussing LIV’s future as the league deals with reduced resources and a changing business structure. His situation shows why Faldo’s remarks should be treated as a discussion about professional golf rather than a confirmed roster forecast.
For players, returning also means access to major events, Ryder Cup pathways, and established tournaments that LIV’s format cannot fully replicate. At the same time, LIV still has valuable contracts, global visibility, and a player-driven ownership model that could appeal to stars who remain committed.
Fun fact: Rahm won LIV’s individual championship for three straight seasons from 2024 through 2026, making him the league’s most consistent individual performer.
The bigger question is what golf looks like next
Faldo’s comments arrive as professional golf moves toward another major reset. LIV is trying to establish a sustainable model without its original Saudi funding, while the PGA Tour continues to reshape its schedule and considers how former LIV players could fit into the future.
That makes the coming months important for Rahm, Hatton, and DeChambeau. Their decisions could influence not only individual careers but also how the fractured professional game begins to come back together.
Faldo believes traditional golf can emerge stronger from the disruption. Whether the next era produces genuine reunification or simply a more competitive split remains unresolved, but the conversation has shifted toward what LIV’s stars do next.
TL;DR
- Nick Faldo believes LIV’s uncertain future could encourage some stars to return to traditional golf.
- He specifically mentioned Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, though their situations are different.
- Rahm has been linked with a departure, while Hatton says he expects LIV to continue for him.
- Faldo again criticized Phil Mickelson’s role in promoting LIV and its claims about growing golf.
- LIV is moving into a new phase after the PIF ended its funding following the 2026 season.
- PGA Tour rules mean returning LIV players may face significant hurdles rather than automatic reinstatement.
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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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