Justin Rose's PGA Tour Triumphs Affirm Decision Against LIV Golf
Justin Rose's three victories on the PGA Tour, combined with two close finishes in major championships, have reinforced his conviction in declining offers from the Saudi Arabia-backed LIV Golf series.
The English golfer secured his 13th PGA Tour title on Sunday after an impressive performance at Torrey Pines in California, setting a new tournament record score.
In 2022, several prominent players in golf opted to join the breakaway LIV Golf, attracted by lucrative contracts offered by the controversial new league.
Rose, however, chose to remain, and since then, the 45-year-old has risen to third place in the world rankings. His achievements include three wins on the American circuit, a runner-up finish at the 2024 Open Championship, and a playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at last year's Masters.
"I feel like my career goals have only been attainable by staying on the European Tour and the PGA Tour because access to them is not possible the other way," said Rose.
"I've been sniffing and knocking on the door for a couple of majors since those decisions have been made, and those moments did validate that decision.
"It's good to see people wanting to play where it motivates them to be their best."
Rose finished 23 under par at the recent Farmers Insurance Open, surpassing the tournament's previous best winning score of 22 under, set by Tiger Woods in 1999 and George Burns in 1987.
He also became the oldest player to secure a wire-to-wire victory on the PGA Tour since Rocco Mediate in October 2010, who was 47 at the time. Rose led the tournament in all four rounds.
"I want to play in and among the best players in the world; that's what keeps me motivated, keeps me hungry, keeps me pushing," Rose added.
"It would have been easy to potentially do other things but none of that excited me and none of that gave me access to what I wanted to achieve.
"I always felt my childhood self wouldn't feel very good about making that decision and giving up on those dreams."
Recent Player Movements Between LIV Golf and PGA Tour
Last month, Patrick Reed announced his departure from LIV Golf to return to the PGA Tour, following fellow American Brooks Koepka's exit from the series.
Five-time major champion Koepka, aged 35, made his comeback at Torrey Pines under a new returning member programme.
The programme also allows for the potential return of other major winners such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Cameron Smith. However, all three committed to LIV Golf before the 2 February deadline to apply for the programme.
As part of his return, Koepka agreed to make a $5 million (£3.7 million) charitable donation. Meanwhile, 35-year-old Reed, who plans to compete on the DP World Tour this year, will be eligible to begin playing on the PGA Tour in August 2026, aiming to reinstate his membership for the 2027 season.
