The PGA Tour initially confirmed to its players that they would be able to compete at LIV Golf Promotions without the fear of sanctioning, but it appears their may have been a change in policy
PGA Visit authorities have supposedly adjusted their perspectives on individuals contending in LIV Golf’s very first Qualifying School occasion at Abu Dhabi Golf Club one month from now.
LIV Golf Advancements will see various hopefuls contend to procure a spot with the breakaway association challenge in a 72-opening qualifier across three days in December. Following the finish of the occasion the best three finishers from will procure a LIV visit card for 2024.
Various players from the Asian Visit have focused on contending in the Q-School occasion in the Center East, yet it is not yet clear whether PGA Visit and DP World Visit individuals will enter.
Both circuits have taken a zero tolerance approach to the breakaway league, after the PGA Tour opted to suspend any player who teed it up with the rival league. Earlier this month the Tour appeared to softened their stance after given players the green light to take part in the promotion tournament.
Just weeks later however it appears Jay Monahan and co have decided to make yet another u-turn. Per Monday Q Info, a former major champion and a ‘multi-time’ winner from the PGA Tour are set enter the Q-School tournament taking place in early December.
However it appears it may come with consequence, with the report revealing that Tour bosses are now threatening to suspend players who compete in the event. 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 read. “Therefore, the LIV Golf Promotion event is not categorised as an ‘unauthorised tournament.’”
The PGA Tour did appear to cover their backs when it comes to a potential u-turn, adding: “This classification is subject to change should the details of the event change.” The Tour could well be set to lose one of their prize assets in Masters champion Jon Rahm.
Per Bunkered earlier this week, Rahm was said to be in negotiation with the breakaway league over a potential move. 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.
Phil Mickelson is a close friend of Rahm, and the American became arguably the biggest name to join the LIV setup last summer. Speaking at the Team Championship in October, Mickelson claimed he had heard of a whole host of interest from players on other tours wanting to join 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 players 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.”