Xander Schauffele’s name has been one heavily linked to the LIV Golf setup since its formation in the summer of 2022, and the PGA Tour star has now addressed those rumours
Xander Schauffele, who has been strongly associated with the breakaway league for the previous two seasons, has declined to rule out moving to LIV Golf at some point in his career.
Several PGA Tour players have been drawn to LIV since its founding in June 2022, and Schauffele is frequently mentioned as the next big name to leave. The American has chosen to play golf on the Tour for the time being, but he acknowledged that a move might occur in the future.
Regarding the rumors, Schauffele said to the Fore Play Podcast, “It’s funny that when asked about [joining LIV Golf], I feel I have been as honest as possible, and dodged the question.”
There are very few guys who have made this commitment, but I’m not going to promise the Tour that I will play on the PGA Tour indefinitely, nor am I claiming that I will visit. I simply state that I am present here, which is a fact.”
In the future, Schauffele might have the opportunity to compete on both circuits as talks between the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia [PIF] and the PGA Tour are still in progress. After the Tour made its official announcement in June of last year, the golf world was shocked to learn of early rumors of a possible merger.
Following the event, players retaliated against Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for his cool-headed handling of the Saudi u-turn. Schauffele was one person in particular who felt misinformed and recommended late last year that Monahan resign from his position.
He told Today’s Golfer, “I wouldn’t mind seeing some new leadership take place on our circuit.” If I claimed to have a great deal of trust after what transpired, I would be lying. When I speak with a lot of guys, I most definitely find that to be the consensus.
“They refer to it as “our Tour,” which seems a little contradictory considering that things can occur without our knowledge. It’s challenging. While I’m sure there are explanations for what transpired, it also makes it extremely difficult for us to have faith in the leadership, which is meant to be looking out for our best interests but did some things behind our backs.”
Schauffele is still on the PGA Tour for the time being, and he has had a strong start to 2024. Last week at the American Express, he tied for third place, two shots behind eventual winner Nick Dunlap, after finishing in a tie for 10th at The Sentry. The 30-year-old, who is vying for his first victory on the Tour in eighteen months, has also committed to this week’s Farmers Insurance Open.
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