The PGA Tour and LIV Golf Rivalry Continues
The PGA Tour has announced it will not grant releases to any members who participate in the LIV Golf Promotions event held in Florida. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between the two golf organizations.
LIV Golf's Qualifying Event in Florida
LIV Golf scheduled its qualifying event from January 8 to 11 at Florida’s Black Diamond Resort. This event offers the top two finishers LIV membership for 2026 and aims to attract PGA Tour professionals by hosting it in the United States.
PGA Tour's Response and Restrictions
The PGA Tour considers the LIV Golf event unauthorized because it takes place in North America. A spokesperson stated:
“Because the LIV event is being played in North America, under PGA Tour regulations it is defined as an unauthorized event. As such, any tour member who competes in it is subject to disciplinary action.”
- PGA Tour members competing in the LIV event will not receive conflicting event or media rights releases.
- Disciplinary action will be taken against members who participate.
- Non-PGA Tour members playing in the LIV event face a one-year ban from PGA Tour-sanctioned events, including Monday qualifiers and sponsor exemptions.
Context and Timing
This announcement followed LIV Golf revealing plans for the third edition of its Promotions event, intensifying the competition between the tours.
Summary
The PGA Tour strictly enforces regulations against members joining LIV Golf events, underlining persistent rivalry and control over player participation rights.
Author’s summary: The PGA Tour firmly blocks members from joining LIV Golf events in the US, applying strict disciplinary measures to maintain its competitive dominance.