Despite merger talks, the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue to war.
While the PGA Tour first assured its players that they could participate in LIV Golf Promotions without worrying about being sanctioned, it looks like there may have been a policy change.
Former Slugger with the Phillies Connected to Free Agency Division CompetitorsAccording to reports, PGA Tour officials have reconsidered allowing members to compete in LIV Golf’s inaugural Qualifying School tournament at Abu Dhabi Golf Club the following month.
A number of contenders will play in a three-day, 72-hole qualifying organized by LIV Golf Promotions in December in an attempt to secure a spot in the breakaway league competition. The top three finishers will receive a LIV tour card for 2024 after the competition.
A handful of Asian Tour players have committed to play in the Middle East’s Q-School event; however, it is unclear if members of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour will also participate.
Following the PGA Tour’s decision to penalize any player who teed it up with the rival league, both circuits have adopted a zero tolerance policy toward the breakaway league. The Tour seemed to change their position earlier this month after approving players to compete in the promotion tournament.
However, it seems that Jay Monahan and company have made yet another mistake just a few weeks later. A past major winner and a “multi-time” winner from the PGA Tour are scheduled to compete in the Q-School competition in early December, according to Monday Q Info.
But it looks like there might be repercussions because the article says that Tour executives are now threatening to suspend players who participate in the competition. Initially a PGA Tour spokesperson announced that their would be know punishment for those wanting to compete at LIV Promotions.
“Based on the information publicly available regarding the LIV Golf Promotion event, it is determined to be a qualifying event only and not a part of an unauthorised series,” the statement continued. “Therefore, the LIV Golf Promotion event is not categorised as a ‘unauthorised tournament.’”
Regarding a possible u-turn, the PGA Tour did seem to cover their bases by stating that “this classification is subject to change should the details of the event change.” The Tour may be about to lose Jon Rahm, the winner of the Masters, one of its prize assets.
Rahm was reportedly in talks on a possible transfer with the breakaway league, according to Bunkered earlier this week. Whilst the Spaniard has remained relatively neutral during the PGA Tour’s battle with the LIV setup, a switch from Rahm would come as a surprise to many having previously criticised the breakaway league’s 54-hole, no cut format.
Rahm is good friends with Phil Mickelson, who last summer joined the LIV setup as perhaps the biggest star. When speaking at the Team Championship in October, Phil Mickelson mentioned that he has heard from players on other tours who were interested in joining LIV Golf.
Players want to be a part of LIV when they see it, he stated in Miami last month. “Everyone in this room is content and loving what we are doing, as well as the collaborative nature of it, each other, and the friendship that accompanies playing golf all over the world and the perks that come with being a part of this tour.
Many gamers observe that and wish to participate in it. How many spots are available is the question. There are far more players interested in attending than there are available spots.”
