Some PGA Tour Players May Be Penalized for Competing in LIV Golf Qualifier

Registration for the LIV Golf League promotional event closed a week ago, but the spots for the tournament that will determine the three players who will join the league in 2024 have not yet been announced.

Part of the postponement is likely due to some players with PGA Tour status finding out that their requests for required media releases have been denied, even if the Tour does not hold promotional events “for nothing.” This is despite admitting that he does not consider it an “unauthorized tournament.”

The Tour said it would process such permission requests as it would any other case in which a player wishes to compete in a tournament that is not sanctioned by the PGA Tour.

But here’s the catch: These releases must be submitted an additional 45 days before the event. (For participants on the Korn Ferry tour, that’s 15 days in advance.) It appears that some of those who requested such a release were within that time frame, and the Tour is adhering to that rule.

LIV Golf issued a media release on October 26, four days after the conclusion of the 2023 season in Miami, announcing that the 2023 season will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 8 to 10. It is unclear whether players were required to participate prior to that date, but since it was 48 days before the event, players had to immediately apply for a permit that falls under PGA Tour rules.

Although the names have not been announced yet, there were about 10 players who had PGA Tour status or played on the tour. Some may now drop out, as they could be fined or suspended if they choose to participate without permission.