Anirban Lahiri, a two-time European Tour winner, has revealed that he knows at least a dozen LIV Golf players who would rather stop playing the sport entirely than return to the PGA Tour. The 38-year-old Indian golfer, who joined LIV Golf in 2022 after a seven-year stint on the PGA Tour, admitted he is among those who feel this way.
Disillusionment with the Business of Golf
Lahiri shared that his experiences on the PGA Tour left him disillusioned with the business side of golf. Speaking to The Times, he dismissed any notion that LIV players are desperate to return to the PGA Tour as “the biggest joke ever.” He stated, “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.”
He elaborated, “I learnt a lot about the business of golf and some of the things I learnt disillusioned me. I'll leave it at that. That was enough for me not to want to go back, but that's me personally.” Lahiri emphasized that while others may have different views, the assumption that everyone is eager to return is “propaganda.”
Lahiri's Career and LIV Earnings
Lahiri, who once ranked as high as world No. 33, has earned approximately £25 million since joining LIV Golf. He is part of Bryson DeChambeau's team, alongside Paul Casey. Despite enjoying his time on the PGA Tour, he has no desire to go back.
Thomas Pieters Shares Similar Sentiment
Belgian golfer Thomas Pieters echoed Lahiri's stance, stating he would “definitely never go back to the PGA Tour.” Pieters told the Dan on Golf Show, “I never liked that life. That's not me having a go at the PGA Tour; it's not for me. I tried it, and I just wasn't happy there.”
Pieters added that if LIV Golf were to disappear, he would consider playing on the European Tour instead. He said, “If it goes away, I'll probably try and play some on the European Tour, or I don’t know. I really don't know.” He also noted that financial considerations would play a role, but ultimately, he is waiting to see how the situation develops under LIV's leadership.
LIV Golf's Future
Both players expressed uncertainty about LIV Golf's long-term future but remain committed to the league for now. Lahiri's comments come amid ongoing discussions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf about a potential merger or partnership. However, for many players, the rift appears deep, with some preferring retirement over a return to the PGA Tour.
