Laurie Canter just earned his first PGA Tour card, but reports suggest he’s set to turn it down for a return to LIV Golf. We break down the reasons behind this shocking decision, his potential team placement, and what it means for the future of both tours.
Will Canter join the Majesticks GC alongside Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood? How does this impact the PGA Tour’s ongoing battle with LIV Golf? We analyze Canter’s career, his earnings from LIV, and the growing trend of players choosing LIV over traditional tours.
Key Points Covered:
– Laurie Canter’s PGA Tour card win & LIV Golf history
– Potential LIV Golf team placements (Majesticks GC, Hyflyers, Torque)
– Financial incentives of LIV Golf vs. PGA Tour
– Impact on PGA Tour & LIV Golf rivalry
– Previous players who chose LIV over PGA Tour (Tom McKibbin)
– What’s next for Canter and the golf world?
In a shocking twist that’s sending ripples through the golf world, a rising star is reportedly poised to reject the PGA Tour dream he just earned. Lorie Caner, fresh off securing his PGA Tour card, is heavily rumored to be heading back to Liv Golf. Yes, you read that right. Turning down the PGA Tour for a second stint with LIV. Caner’s potential return to LIIV comes after a successful run on the DP World Tours race to Dubai, where he impressively finished seventh overall and snagged the second of 10 coveted PGA Tour cards offered through that ranking system. For many golfers, earning a PGA Tour card is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It’s a golden ticket to compete against the best in the world on one of golf’s most prestigious circuits. But here’s where it gets controversial. Caner, after playing on LIV for its first three seasons and accumulating over $6 million, seems to be prioritizing a different path. He’s no stranger to LIV golf, having previously represented Martin Kmer’s Clicks team and also serving as a reserve player. Earlier this year, Caner even made history as the first former LV golfer to participate in a PGA Tour event, teeing it up at the players championship. This move highlights the complex and evolving relationship between the PGA Tour and LIIV Golf and the choices players now face. According to a report in the Sports Business Journal, Caner’s decision is leaning heavily towards rejoining the LIIV Golf League in 2026. And this is the part most people miss. It’s not just about the money. For some players, LIIV offers a different format, a more relaxed schedule, and a team-based environment that they find appealing. So where would Caner fit in LIIV? Several spots are potentially open. Andy Ogulry, Highflyers, Mito Pereira, Torque, and Yubin Iron Heads all faced relegation in 2025. But the most logical landing spot seems to be with Mage Stickix GC. Following Henrik Stenson’s slide into the drop zone, Mage Stickixs currently only have three players on their roster. A move to Mage Sticks would create an all-English squad, teaming Caner up with co- captains Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood along with Sam Horsefield. He has a prior history with the team, having filled in for Horsefield when he was injured. This dynamic could be a major draw for Caner, offering camaraderie and a sense of national pride. Interestingly, Caner wouldn’t be the first player to spurn a PGA Tour card earned through the race to Dubai for LV golf. Last year, Tom McKibben made a similar decision, opting to join John Rom’s Legion 13 team. This trend raises questions about the long-term appeal of the PGA Tour versus LIIV Golf, particularly for players who have already experienced the financial benefits and different structure of the Saudibacked League. As a consequence of Caner’s potential decision, Daniel Brown is now in line to move up in the pecking order for a PGA Tour card. This ripple effect demonstrates the high stakes involved in these decisions and how they impact the careers of multiple players. We reached out to LIV Golf for comment, but they declined to provide a statement. Just this week, LIIV Golf announced their first offseason signing with Victor Perez, a three-time DP World Tour winner, joining Clicks. Multiple high-profile trades are also rumored, indicating a busy off season for the league. This activity suggests that LIV Golf is actively seeking to strengthen its roster and continue attracting top talent. Here’s the controversial part. Is Caner making the right decision for his career? Is the allure of guaranteed money and a different format worth sacrificing the prestige and history of the PGA Tour? Or is this a smart move that will allow Caner to thrive in a less traditional environment? What do you think? Is Caner’s potential move a sign of things to come with more players choosing LIIV over the PJ tour?
