The PGA Tour is on high alert due to rising speculation about Tony Finau potentially transitioning to Greg Norman’s LIV Golf. His recent withdrawals from the 2024 Hero World Challenge and the Grant Thornton Invitational have sparked significant concern among officials at the PGA Tour. As the start of the 2025 LIV Golf season in February approaches, Jay Monahan and his team are closely monitoring developments surrounding Finau. However, their heightened focus on Finau could inadvertently allow other top players to follow suit, slipping away from the PGA Tour.
Several high-profile golfers, aside from Finau, are emerging as potential targets for Greg Norman and LIV Golf. These players present compelling options for the breakaway tour, given their talent, form, and circumstances. Here are five names rumored to be on LIV Golf’s radar:
1. Viktor Hovland
Reports of Viktor Hovland withdrawing from the 2024 Hero World Challenge, hosted by Tiger Woods, have fueled speculation about his potential move to LIV Golf. The Norwegian star has not played a PGA Tour event since the Tour Championship in September 2024. Earlier in the year, he had made remarks suggesting dissatisfaction with the current system, stating that LIV Golf officials should engage directly with players to address their interests. While Hovland’s statements indicated frustration, he did not outright dismiss the idea of joining LIV Golf. Adding to the mystery is his prolonged absence due to unspecified injuries, leaving room for more rumors about his next career move.
2. Jorge Campillo
The 38-year-old Spanish golfer has been making waves with his consistent performances, including three top-10 finishes in 2024. His standout moment came at the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters, where he finished as the runner-up. Currently ranked 103rd in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), Campillo has garnered attention from his compatriots and LIV Golf team captains, Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm. Given their team-building needs for the 2025 season, Campillo could be a prime candidate to join LIV Golf, bringing experience and solid form to any team that signs him.
3. Alistair Docherty
Canadian pro Alistair Docherty has long been a “nearly man” in professional golf. Despite strong performances across various tours, including the PGA Tour, PGA Tour Canada, PGA Tour Latinoamérica, and the Korn Ferry Tour, Docherty has yet to claim a victory. His near-win at the 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic and a narrow miss at the PGA TOUR Q-School only deepened his frustrations. Ranked 230th in the world, Docherty might view a move to LIV Golf as a fresh start and an opportunity to redefine his career.
4. Hideki Matsuyama
The 2021 Masters Champion, Hideki Matsuyama, remains one of the brightest stars in professional golf. With two wins and seven top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour in 2024, Matsuyama continues to prove his ability to deliver under pressure. Known for his brilliant final-round 62 at The Genesis Invitational 2024, he has become a highly sought-after player. Greg Norman has publicly expressed interest in Matsuyama, not only for his skills but also to bolster LIV Golf’s presence in Japan. The financial incentives, combined with the prospect of more time with his family, could make Matsuyama consider a lucrative LIV Golf contract.
5. Shaun Norris
South African golfer Shaun Norris has had a strong year in 2024, highlighted by his victory at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. With two top-6 finishes in nine DP World Tour events, Norris has demonstrated consistent form. At 42 years old, Norris may see LIV Golf as an ideal way to capitalize on his career’s twilight years. A move to Stinger GC, a LIV Golf team led by fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen, could offer him a lucrative and fitting conclusion to his professional journey.
What Lies Ahead
As the PGA Tour faces mounting pressure, the potential departure of players like Finau and others could signal a broader exodus. High-profile golfers, including Rory McIlroy, have reportedly received substantial offers to join LIV Golf, further complicating matters for the PGA Tour. Jay Monahan and his team must stay vigilant and proactive to address the growing threat posed by LIV Golf’s financial clout and recruitment strategies.
The question remains whether Tony Finau’s potential move will trigger a mass exodus or whether the PGA Tour can adapt to these challenges. Only time will reveal the outcome as the world of professional golf continues to evolve.