Sir Nick Faldo says LIV returnees must eat humble pie
Sir Nick Faldo warns LIV Golf players seeking a DP World Tour return may need to eat humble pie as the circuit debates reintegration rules.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Sir Nick Faldo says LIV golfers wanting a DP World Tour return may need to eat humble pie
- Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin and Adrian Meronk are competing at the Husqvarna British Masters
- LIV boss Scott O'Neil seeks $350m in new funding to keep the league operating next year
Golf legend Sir Nick Faldo has warned that players from LIV Golf who want to make a comeback to the DP World Tour may have to swallow their pride before regaining their eligibility to play on the European-based circuit, emphasizing that the path of return should not be overly straightforward.
The remarks come as prominent players including Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin and Adrian Meronk compete instead at the Husqvarna British Masters starting on Thursday at the Belfry. Hatton recently fueled speculation about leaving the Saudi-backed circuit established in 2022 by choosing Queen's I Want to Break Free as his walk-on music at an Indianapolis tournament last week.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Meanwhile, LIV Golf chief Scott O'Neil continues efforts to secure alternative financial backing to replace Saudi Arabian funding, targeting an investment of $350 million or £258 million to keep operations running next year. The issue of how to handle potential returnees topped the agenda when the DP World Tour tournament committee met on Tuesday afternoon.
The debate highlights the delicate balancing act facing European tour executives, who must weigh the commercial value of welcoming back high-profile stars against the necessity of preserving fairness for loyal members who chose not to defect to the breakaway league, contrasting with the PGA Tour's blanket one-year bans.
"How do they actually give them a route back? You know, given the way they've disrupted - go and start again. Go back to tour school."
Sir Nick Faldo
Faldo argued that players who caused severe disruption to the golfing world should not simply walk back onto the tour without facing hurdles, suggesting they return to tour school unless they already hold exemptions like two-time major champion Jon Rahm, whose status protects his entry into major championships and similar events.
Source: BBC Sport
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