If you need a sign that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still rivals, here you go
The PGA Tour has decided not to grant releases to any players who participate in the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida. This move underscores the ongoing rivalry between the two organizations.
LIV Golf recently announced that its Promotions event, where the top two finishers will earn LIV membership for 2026, will take place at Florida’s Black Diamond Resort on January 8–11. Holding the qualifier in the United States was likely intended to attract professional players from various tours.
However, this decision poses a problem for members of the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, and PGA Tour Americas. Their participation could lead to penalties under current PGA Tour regulations.
Golf Digest confirmed, first via Sports Illustrated, that “the PGA Tour will not grant conflicting event or media releases to any member competing in the LIV Golf Promotions event.”
A PGA Tour spokesperson explained that since the LIV Golf Promotions is held in North America, it qualifies as an unauthorized event under PGA Tour rules. As a result, any member who competes may face disciplinary measures.
Furthermore, non-PGA Tour players who take part in the LIV event could be suspended for one year from playing in PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments. The restriction also applies to Monday qualifiers and sponsor exemptions.
This announcement follows LIV Golf’s recent unveiling of plans for the third edition of its Promotions series, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two golf organizations.
Author Summary
The PGA Tour reinforced its rivalry with LIV Golf by declaring that players who join LIV’s Florida qualifying event risk suspension and disciplinary action.