The first big wave of LIV Golf contracts, which lured several of golf’s biggest stars from the PGA Tour, is reportedly nearing its end. As renewals come up, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed are facing a tougher reality: a second big payday is not guaranteed, and without world ranking points, it’s getting harder to qualify for major championships.
When LIV launched in 2022, big signing fees and multi-year deals gave early players stability. Three seasons later, league executives have made it clear those huge bonuses are unlikely to return. Players who expected the same terms might become free agents, needing to earn their spots and income through performance instead of up-front guarantees.
At the same time, LIV events still do not award Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. That leaves players increasingly reliant on past-champion exemptions, special invitations, or qualifying to enter golf’s four majors. It’s a moving target, and for stars whose form has dipped, the margin for error is slim.
What it means for the big three
- Dustin Johnson
Johnson enjoyed early success with LIV (including the inaugural Individual title and a Team Championship with the 4Aces) but struggled in the 2025 majors: missed cuts at the Masters, PGA Championship, and U.S. Open, before a T-23 at The Open. While past champions enjoy certain exemptions (for example, Masters champions receive lifetime invitations), continued poor results shrink other avenues. If his current LIV deal ends after 2025, as reported, his status for both league play and the non-Masters majors could require fresh qualification or discretionary invites unless form rebounds. - Brooks Koepka
Koepka is still one of golf’s top major performers with five major titles. His past wins give him exemptions, like a lifetime spot at the PGA Championship and several years at the U.S. Open. Still, in 2025 he missed the cut at the Masters and PGA, finished T-12 at the U.S. Open, and missed the cut at The Open. If LIV contracts become stricter and results vary, staying sharp and competitive is more important than ever, especially since there is no OWGR ranking to help between majors. - Patrick Reed
As the 2018 Masters champion, Reed has a lifetime Masters invite, but, like others, he faces greater uncertainty about the U.S. Open, The Open, and the PGA Championship if form stalls. Without ranking points from LIV, he must rely on strong showings in limited OWGR-counting starts, sectional qualifying, or special exemptions.
The scramble for starts (and points)
This shifting landscape explains why 31 LIV players recently entered the Hong Kong Open and similar events that do award OWGR points. With a potential tightening of LIV roster spots and contract terms, players are seeking competitive outlets and ranking opportunities to safeguard major eligibility.
The slow progress toward a full agreement between LIV and the PGA or DP World Tours adds more uncertainty. Until there is a clear path, players will rely on ad-hoc schedules like Asian Tour events, national opens, and qualifiers to keep their options open.
Form now matters more than logos
For the first time since LIV’s launch, form and flexibility outweigh brand and past status. That is true both inside LIV (where renewed deals could depend more on current value to teams and the league) and outside it (where majors and traditional tours demand current performance, not just name recognition).
- No guaranteed renewals: Early-era contracts set expectations; current signals suggest leaner, performance-tied deals.
- No OWGR from LIV: Players must seek external starts or qualifying routes to stay in the major mix.
- Exemptions help, but don’t solve everything: Past champions retain significant rights (e.g., Masters lifetime), yet not all majors offer lifetime access, and other exemptions expire.
Where this could go next
- Selective renewals and pay structures
Expect targeted extensions for marquee draws and in-form stars, with more incentive-heavy terms. The days of across-the-board, nine-figure headlines look numbered. - More cross-tour appearances
Unless the broader ecosystem aligns, watch for LIV players entering more OWGR-eligible events worldwide to maintain visibility and keep major doors open. - Higher stakes for team roles
LIV teams, keen to contend for league titles and sponsorships, may prioritize consistent performers over big names whose results have dipped, further tightening internal competition.
Behind the contract talk and tour politics is a simple professional truth: elite golfers want to play the majors. They are the sport’s ultimate stage. Koepka, Johnson, and Reed have each built careers defined by major moments. As early LIV guarantees give way to a more merit-led second phase, these players face a challenge they know well: earn it.
For some players, exemptions will buy time. For others, one strong week in qualifying or a good run in an OWGR-awarding event could change their story. But the safety net that used to be there is disappearing. The next 6 to 12 months will show who adapts and who ends up chasing invitations.
Bottom line: The contract cushion that made joining LIV easier is going away. With renewals no longer guaranteed and OWGR points still unavailable, even the biggest LIV stars need to plan their schedules carefully, find events that matter, and perform when it counts, especially if they want to keep entering major championship clubhouses through the front door.
