PGA Tour could make controversial LIV Golf U-turn as players face suspension fears

The PGA Tour initially assured players they could participate in the LIV Golf Promotion without fear of sanctions, but it appears that policy has changed.

PGA Tour officials have reportedly changed their minds about allowing members to attend LIV Golf’s first qualification school event to be held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club next month.

LIV Golf Promotions will feature several hopefuls competing to earn a spot in the breakaway league in a 72-hole qualifying tournament over three days in December. After the event, the top three players will be awarded his 2024 LIV Tour card.

Many Asian Tour players have committed to participate in the Middle East Q School his event, but It remains to be seen whether the PGA Tour and his DP will participate. World tour members will also be participating.

Following the PGA Tour’s decision to ban players competing in rival leagues, both circuits are taking a zero-tolerance approach to participation in breakaway leagues. Earlier this month, the tour appeared to soften its stance after giving players the green light to participate in promotion tournaments.

But just a few weeks later, Jay Monaghan and his comrades appear to have decided to make another U-turn.
According to Monday Q Info, the former major champion and “multi-time” PGA Tour winner will participate in the Q School Tournament in early December.

But this seems to have potential consequences. The report reveals that tour leaders are now threatening to ban players from attending events. Initially, a PGA Tour spokesperson announced that there would be penalties for anyone who wanted to participate in the LIV promotion.

“Based on publicly available information regarding the LIV Golf Promotional Event, it has been determined that it is a qualifying event only and is not part of an unauthorized series,” the statement said. “Accordingly, LIV Golf Promotional Events are not classified as ‘unsanctioned tournaments.’”

The PGA Tour appears to support the possible change in direction, adding: Classifications are subject to change as details change.” The Tour is fully expected to lose one of its key assets in Masters champion Jon Rahm.

Per Bunkered Earlier this week, Lahm was said to have held talks with the breakaway league over a possible transfer. But the Spaniard has remained relatively neutral in the battle against the PGA Tour’s LIV setup, and Rahm’s changes are a no-brainer for many who have previously criticized the breakaway league’s 54-hole no-cut format. That would be a surprise.

Phil Mickelson is a close friend of Rahm and the American was arguably the biggest addition to the LIV team last summer. Speaking at the Team Championship in October, Mickelson claimed he has heard considerable interest from players on other tours to join LIV Golf.

When a player sees LIV, he wants to be a part of it,” he said in Miami last month. “Everyone here is happy, they enjoy what we do, they enjoy the team aspect, they enjoy each other, they enjoy the camaraderie and the joy of playing golf around the world, and they enjoy this tour. I enjoy all the benefits that come with playing.

“There are a lot of players who will see this and want to join.” The question is, how many locations are available? There are far more players who want to participate than there are capacity.”