LIV rebels allowed to play in Scottish Open after successful legal challenge

Three LIV rebels who took legal action against the DP World Tour’s decision to ban them from competing in next week’s Scottish Open have successful revoked the decision.

Sixteen golfers had threatened legal action after they were punished by the DP World Tour for participating in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – which included their banning from the Scottish Open along with two other events.

But following a successful injunction, Ian Poulter, Adrian Otaegui and Justin Harding have reversed the decision and will now play at Renaissance next week.

The news was confirmed in a statement by the DP World Tour, in which CEO Keith Pelley said the following: “Out of respect for JP and Noreen McManus, their wonderful Pro-Am and the outstanding fundraising they undertake on behalf of charities in the west of Ireland, I will not be giving a detailed response on this matter right now.

“I will simply say we are disappointed by the outcome of today’s hearing, but will abide by the decision. It is important to remember, however, this is only a stay of the sanctions imposed, pending the hearing of the players’ appeal as to whether those sanctions were appropriate.

“The make-up of the field for the Genesis Scottish Open will be advised in due course, but based on this decision the field size will increase beyond 156.

“We will make further comment on this in due course, but not during our time at Adare Manor.”

Speaking prior to the verdict, Poulter told BBC Sport he felt “offended” by the suspensions, reiterating they were “too severe” in his opinion.

“I feel disappointed and offended that I’ve been suspended from playing golf on a Tour that I’ve played for 24 years,” Poulter said. “We didn’t know what the consequences of playing LIV would be. We knew there would be some form of action, but it was never spelled out to us, and I feel the action they have taken is too severe.

“I’ve been allowed to play in Japan, in Korea, all over the world in fact, without any sanctions. I even missed Wentworth one year to play Colonial. That was ok. But this isn’t.”

With the trio now allowed to play in the Scottish Open, we await to see what will come of the remaining 13 LIV golfers who were also banned from the tournament, and had likewise threatened legal action.