What happened to 13 players axed by LIV Golf after jumping ship from PGA Tour

LIV Golf has undeniably reshaped the landscape of professional golf, but for some players who defected, their stint was as short-lived as it was profitable.

The majority of those who left the PGA Tour are now earning astronomical amounts, with Jon Rahm leading the 2024 standings after raking in nearly $17million in tournament winnings alone.

That figure jumps to $34.5m after his bonus for topping the standings, while Joaquin Niemann earned $28.4m for finishing second and Tyrrel Hatton $16m for placing third. Even Anthony Kim, who ended up at the bottom of the list of the 54 full-time LIV players, pocketed more than $920,000.

Fortunately for Kim, he's safe from relegation due to his wildcard status, while Kieran Vincent, Bubba Watson, Branden Grace, Scott Vincent and Kalle Samooja are on the chopping block before 2025.

These five will have a shot at reclaiming their LIV spot through the promotions tournament, but if unsuccessful, they'll have to settle for an Asian Tour card next year.

Here is a look at what happened to those who have already been let go by the Saudi-backed tour since leaving the PGA, including nine players who only lasted the inaugural event at the Centurion Club in June 2022....

Oliver Bekker

The South African golfer pocketed £611,000 for his tied-sixth finish at Centurion, but it wasn't enough to secure him a permanent spot in LIV. He quickly returned to the DP World Tour, with his only victory since being the 2023 Dimension Data Pro-AM on the Challenger Tour. He's been absent from major championships.

Ratchanon Chantananuwat

This young talent made waves in April 2022 when, at just 15, he won the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup, becoming the youngest ever winner of an OWGR event. This victory earned him an invite to LIV's opening act, but after finishing tied-38th, there's been little news about him. He remains an amateur player.

Oliver Fisher

Englishman Oliver Fisher finished with the same score as the teenager and promptly returned to his usual routine, only to miss the cut at the BMW International Open. He has spent most of his time on the Challenge Tour since then.

Pablo Larrazabal

Despite seeming committed to the DP World Tour, Larrazabal was a surprise participant at Centurion, where he tied-13th and took home £275,000. He soon returned to Europe, finishing fifth at the BMW event and later winning the Korea Championship and KLM Open in 2023.

He did participate in three major championships last year, but his best performance was a tied-65th at the PGA Championship. Now 41, he seems to be losing his edge.

Viraj Madappa

Another player who had a brief stint with LIV Golf, ended up in a tie for 30th place at Centurion before being swiftly sent back to the Asian Tour. He continues to compete there and on the Professional Golf Tour of India, but there's been little indication of a LIV recall.

Andy O gletree

After finishing last at Centurion, he quickly returned to the Asian Tour. However, the US amateur champion has since rebounded by winning their 2023 International Series Order of Merit, earning his spot back at LIV for 2024, and finished 33rd in the overall standings this season.

JC Ritchie

Another player who seems to have fallen off the radar. The South African tied for 17th at Centurion, earned $177,000, and has rarely been seen since after struggling on the DP World Tour and Challenge Tour.

Blake Windred

Like Ritchie, Windred's career post-LIV is somewhat underwhelming. After struggling at Centurion, the Australian quickly returned to the Challenge Tour and missed 12 consecutive cuts before fading into obscurity.

Kevin Yuan

Yet another Asian Tour star who was invited to debut at LIV Golf, but seemed to be there just to fill out the roster. Yuan tied for 33rd place just weeks later and was soon back playing the Korean Open.

He continues to compete on the Australasia and the Asian Tour, and is currently ranked 747th in the world.

Jediah Morgan

Lucas Herbert, the 2022 Australasia Tour order of merit winner, secured a full-time spot on the LIV Golf circuit in 2023 and earned $4.5million, but only managed to finish 46th overall. After failing to secure his position in the subsequent promotion event, his relegation was confirmed.

Since then, the Australian has returned to both his former organisation and the Asian Tour, delivering some impressive performances. He's one former LIV player who might still have hope.

Chase Koepka

Koepka is perhaps the most well-known axed LIV star, largely due to his surname. He played on his brother Brooks' Smash GC team but only managed to secure 48th place individually.

Like Herbert, he failed to save himself in the promotions event and hasn't participated in a world ranking event since.

James Piot

James Piot stuck around longer than most on this list, playing full-time on the LIV Golf circuit in both 2022 and 2023. Like Herbert and Koepka, he was relegated after finishing 47th in the standings last year, but has since pledged to attempt a return to the rebel circuit.

Sihwan Kim

Kim earned a similar amount to Piot, primarily through his Heads GC team. He finished 50th and last in the standings and has carried his poor form back to the Asian Tour and KPGA Tour, where he has since failed to challenge for wins.