‘They Made Decisions’: Rickie Fowler Rejects LIV Golf Players’ ‘Unscathed’ Return to PGA Tour

And the cracks in the glass palace are slowly starting to show up. Rory McIlroy might have buried the hatchet, but Rickie Fowler feels there “should be something” for the decisions made by the likes of Brooks Koepka, Phil Mickelson, Bryson DeChambeau, and most recently Jon Rahm. 

Fowler admits that it’s in the best interest of golf to get top players together. In fact, that’s what the Signature events with elevated purses are trying to achieve, the six-time PGA Tour winner claims. But on matters of bringing back LIV Golf Pros, Fowler takes a sharp detour from McIlroy’s position.

Fowler believes there should be some consequence, small or big

While Fowler doesn’t go so far as to claim that a deal with PIF is unnecessary, as Jordan Spieth said, he believes including LIV Golfers will be a difficult call nonetheless.“As far as decisions to go elsewhere and just welcome back, I don’t think it’s a direct road,” Fowler told the media after the first round in Pebble Beach. The Jupiter resident further added, “I mean, they made decisions and there’s — there has to be something for it. how small or big, that’s not up to me.”

Notably, the 35-year-old was earlier linked with LIV Golf as well. The rumors gained momentum after his fallout with longtime sponsor, Farmers Insurance. But the 35-year-old was quick to brush aside the hot air. “Zero plans to go anywhere.” That was his short response when pressed on the matter during the Sentry. Currently teeing up at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic winner is placed at T6 after carding 5-under 67.

The PGA Tour’s $3 billion deal with Strategic Sports Group is believed to escalate the merger agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and PIF further. But the rejoining of the players remains a contentious issue, as Fowler’s comments show. Rory McIlroy claimed yesterday that after an agreement with the PIF is reached, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan should welcome back the players who joined LIV Golf without imposing any punishment. 

Rickie Fowler disagrees with Rory McIlroy

The Northern Irish Golfer yesterday said, “It’s hard to punish people. I don’t think there should be a punishment. If people still have eligibility on this tour and they want to come back and play or you want to try and do something, let them come back.” Like many, his Jupiter neighbor’s changing stance on LIV Golf has surprised Fowler. Asked where he stood about the matter, Fowler thoughtfully adds, “Probably not in the same spot as Rory [McIlroy is].” 

McIlroy, let’s not forget, has seen the effects of fines firsthand. Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Sergio Garcia, all resigned their Tour cards rather than paying fines up to millions. The 24-time PGA Tour winner admitted that he has changed his tune. But Fowler, not so much. 

Read More: ‘Plenty of Fun on the Jet Skis’: Rickie Fowler’s Wild Rookie Days With LIV Golf Pro Comes to Light

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Maybe we started in a similar area. I think there’s been a little roller-coaster ride on his part,” World No. 28, said with a slight smile on his face. Rickie Fowler is excited to see how this pans out, as are eager golf fans.

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