LIV Golf’s upcoming promotional event in December has attracted attention due to a notable shift in the PGA Tour’s perspective. As the clock is ticking towards the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline for a potential agreement between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the tour surprised many with its latest announcement regarding LIV Golf.
In a departure from how things have been handled in the past, the PGA Tour has decided to allow its members to participate in the LIV Golf Promotions event scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. This decision was reported by Alex Miceli of Sports Illustrated, and the tour clarified that it considers the event a qualifying opportunity, rather than an unauthorized tournament.
Notably, this decision comes after former PGA Tour members who transitioned to LIV Golf were suspended in June 2022. The possibility of PGA Tour members participating in the LIV Golf event could be seen as a positive sign, indicating progress between the two entities regarding a potential agreement.
LIV Golf recently revealed details of its promotions event, where the top three finishers will secure LIV Golf memberships for the 2024 season. The tournament will span three days, consisting of 72 holes of stroke play. The final 36 holes will be played on the last day. The total purse for the event amounts to $1.5 million, with the top three finishers receiving $200,000, $150,000, and $100,000, respectively.
However, the format of this event introduces some complexity. The initial round will feature winners of prestigious amateur championships, along with certain players ranked in the International Series and within the top 200 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and the top 20 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
After the first round, scores will be reset, and the top 20 players will move on to the next stage, where additional players will join the competition. It is anticipated that any PGA Tour members who choose to participate will commence play during this stage. Relegated LIV Golf players, winners of PGA Tour or DP World Tour events, major champions since 2018, Ryder Cup and President Cup participants, and those ranked in the top five on the International Series standings will also join in round two.
Upon completion of round two, the top 20 players will advance to the final two rounds, where scores will be reset once again for the last 36 holes. The top three finishers after these rounds will earn coveted entry into the 2024 LIV Golf season.
While the exact participation of current PGA Tour players remains uncertain, it’s worth noting that a former LIV Golfer, who has been relegated, is currently striving to secure a tour card for the 2024 season through PGA Tour Q-School.
As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the evolving relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. The decision to allow PGA Tour members to compete in the LIV Golf Promotions event offers a glimmer of hope for potential collaboration in the future. Golf enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate the outcome of this intriguing development.
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