LIV Golf first appeared back in 2021, and the game of golf has not really been the same since.
With funding from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Greg Norman as CEO, LIV Golf has altered the landscape of professional golf.
Fast forward to 2025, and LIV now features some of the sport’s top players. While TV viewership is not quite where they would like it to be, there is no denying their impact on the sport.
The large amounts spent to sign those players, along with a push to reshape how the sport operates, have sparked plenty of debate since LIV first began.
And while financial incentives have drawn many players over, some within the PGA Tour have remained firm in their decision not to join LIV.
That includes Will Zalatoris, who publicly ruled out a move two years ago. Here is what he said at that time about why he would not consider a switch.
Will Zalatoris’ bold statement about making the move to LIV Golf
While the likes of Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau took the payday, plenty of others decided to stay put. Rory McIlroy is the obvious example, but given his financial status anyway, he would not even need to consider being tempted by LIV.
Zalatoris, on the other hand, is still carving out his place in the sport. In theory, the money could have meant more to him. But even for him, it’s never just been about the paycheque.
“If you look at the guys who have gone, and I’ve no problem with the guys who have but no disrespect to them, a lot of them are older or been injured or been on the road for 20-plus years,” Zalatoris said.
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“I’ve never done this for money ever. Like if the US Open had a $100k purse I’d still show up to the US Open. I don’t know what it was this year, like $17m.
“I’m in this to win a major. That’s my career goal so if LIV doesn’t have golf ranking points then I lose my chances of playing in majors. I’ve chased it for 20 years.
“There’s no amount of money I’d give to trade that for not getting that trophy.”
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How Will Zalatoris has performed since ruling out a move to LIV Golf
Since making those remarks back in 2023, things have not gone smoothly for Zalatoris. Injuries have played a big part in that.
He has only managed to tee it up 11 times so far in 2025, with his best showing being a T12 at the American Express early in the year.
The previous season was a bit more promising. He made 22 starts and had six top-25 finishes, including second place at The Genesis and a T9 at The Masters.
With any luck, he will get past these setbacks soon and find his rhythm again. If that happens, chasing down that major title won’t feel quite so far off.
