Could LIV Golf players feature for Europe at the Ryder Cup after all?
The DP World Tour’s new venture with the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund constituted a significant U-turn in the strategic alliance’s approach to golf’s civil war.
With hostility existing inside and outside the courtroom, all differences have been put aside to form a new entity that aims to unify golf and create a new schedule of events with backing from Saudi Arabia.
This led to speculation as to whether the European stalwarts that moved to LIV Golf could now return to the tour they experienced vast success on in previous years.
If their speedy return to the DP World Tour was allowed, then could this reignite their Ryder Cup careers that were seemingly over after their resignations?
The likes of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, and Sergio Garcia were also issued with £100,000 fines, so would these be removed now that golf’s new trifecta is cooperating?
Are there more U-turns to come?
In a memo sent to players by the DP World Tour, CEO Keith Pelley ironed out these “muddled” issues and confirmed the circuit’s stance on each one.
“The suspensions and fines previously imposed remain effective,” Pelley said. “Members playing the LIV Golf events in 2023 will still need to request a release from us and are still governed by our regulations.
“If a release isn’t granted and they play, they may be sanctioned in accordance with the regulations and the Sports Resolutions decision that was released in April.”
Those who resigned had until May 1 to reapply for their membership. A subsequent reapplication would have to be accepted under “an exceptional circumstance.”
“It would be difficult and highly unlikely that would happen,” Pelley says in the memo.
Westwood, Poulter, Garcia, Richard Bland, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey, Martin Kaymer, Dean Burmester, and Abraham Ancer are the ones who’ve so far given up their playing rights in Europe.
The new entity, currently with its name to be determined, will look to build a process after the 2023 seasons where players may reapply for their memberships.
Pelley also outlined there are two criteria to be on Luke Donald’s Ryder Cup side in 2023: “(1) you are a European and (2) you are a member of the DP World Tour.
“The first seven players listed above meet the first criterion but, as things stand, they do not meet the second criterion.”
Therefore, the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome will likely look no different than it would before the merger was announced.
Those who are still members of the DP World Tour and who still compete as part of the LIV Golf roster, such as Thomas Pieters, may still qualify or be chosen for Team Europe.
In terms of the fines dished out to each player, Garcia was the only player who didn’t pay his fine by the required deadline. The Spaniard could be subjected to further action from the tour.
NOW READ: Bryson DeChambeau wants ‘peace and forgiveness’ from PGA Tour-Saudi merger
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Matt Chivers
Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.
Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.
Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.
Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.
Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.
What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.
