Amid the high-octane drama that’s been going on between PIF, PGA Tour, and DP World Tour since June, came another shocking news. But this time, it was Jay Monahan who was waving the white flag. A PGA Tour insider revealed that the tour is not considering the LIV Golf Promotions tournament, a fancy name for the qualifying event, as unauthorized.

For PGA Tour pros, this means that they can participate in the event and earn a few bucks in the meantime without hanging their neck out. If they don’t qualify for the tournament, Monahan & Co. are willing to take their prodigal sons back home. However, what if they do qualify? The door of fame and fortune surely opens for them, but does that mean Monahan will slam his door shut in their faces?

What if PGA Tour pros qualify for the LIV Golf Promotions tournament?

The qualifying event, slated to be played in the United Arab Emirates from December 8–10, will give the top three players a chance to join the rebel league. So far, the tour has taken a hard line against any players who have dared to step over.

Last year, the PGA Tour decided to ban the players who participated in the inaugural London event en masse. A hefty sanction followed. The hardline stance resulted in losing stars such as Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, and others to Greg Norman. However, one PGA Tour insider said that since the promotion event is billed as a qualifying tournament, they are not going to ban the players. Nonetheless, there appears to be a catch.

Despite easing the ban from LIV Golf, they haven’t lifted it altogether. As per their statement, the policy towards the Abu Dhabi qualifier might change if LIV Golf decides to change the nature of the event. So, if it becomes part of regular LIV Golf events, despite not making it crystal clear, the ban will stand. Moreover, the tour has yet to offer any official statement reversing the ban. So, tour players have to be a bit cautious.

However, the news comes amidst a stalled $3 billion merger that was supposed to be completed in December this year. Currently, battered by multiple hurdles, both parties find themselves at a crossroads.

Where does the deal stand?

In short, the PIF and PGA Tour officials have to jump over quite a few hurdles to reach the end of the line. And this time, with a fast-approaching deadline, their race is against time itself. The negotiations, which have been going behind very thick walls, have not seen any breakthrough yet.

Read More: LIV Boss Greg Norman Has One More Clever Trick Up His Sleeves as PGA Tour Seeks Truce Amid $3B Merger Troubles

Contrarily, players have increased their demands to safeguard their future. Before that, the US Department of Justice came knocking on their door for a possible breach of trust. Oh, and did we mention that Monahan had to go on a sabbatical to catch a breath? The future might look pretty grim, but let’s not write off PIF’s deep pockets and the PGA Tour’s extensive range of influence so early.

Amidst all these uncertainties, the recent news was a breath of fresh air. But not for PGA Tour players. For them, it’s a test of loyalty as well, and the sword of outright ban still hangs a little over their neck.

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