When the LIV Golf Series approached, Talor Gooch, a 31-year-old player, was among the surprising names to join the league. The roster was dominated by older stars and some unusual champions, but Gooch brought excitement to the mix.
Just some days ago, Talor Gooch was on top of the world. He brought home a cash prize worth $4 Million after marking his maiden victory at the fourth event of LIV Golf in Adelaide, Australia. But, his joy did not last for very long.
Talor Gooch affected by the change in USGA rules
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Gooch believed that he would be playing at Los Angeles Country Club in June after he had qualified for the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship in 2022. He qualified before being suspended for joining the Saudi-backed league. But, the world has seemed to turn upside down for him.
Read More: Amid Recent Noise Around Max Homa, LIV Golfer Talor Gooch Responds With a 6-Word Message
Earlier the rule was if a golfer makes it to the Tour Championship, he also gets into the Masters, US Open, and the British Open. But, the USGA has decided to go in a different direction. “Basically the rule now within the USGA states that you have to qualify for the Tour Championship and also be eligible to play,” said Gooch commenting on the new rule.
Gooch said that he is the only person who was affected by this change. He continued to say that it is frustrating and tough that LIV Golf still does not get world-ranking points. “I have only two options to qualify for the US Open: via my world ranking, which is going to be very challenging, or trying to obviously go through the qualifying route of sectional qualifying,” said Gooch.
Talor Gooch says the USGA has changed the rules around his exemption into the US Open – which means he can no longer play! 👀
⬇️⬇️⬇️https://t.co/Q2rnEqHzg8
— bunkered (@BunkeredOnline) April 26, 2023
Fans react to Talor Gooch’s exemption from US Open
Fans have poured in mixed reactions to the news of Gooch being sat out of the US Open. Many fans took a dig at Gooch and his decision to join LIV golf.
A fan commented, “He wanted to play less golf, he should be delighted. Ungrateful.”
He wanted to play less golf, he should be delighted. Ungrateful.
— ⛳️NicTeeGolf⛳️ (@NicTeeGolf) April 26, 2023
Another fan trolled Gooch and commented, “You on PGA, would be playing, you made the choice? Consequences are hard!”
You on PGA, would be playing, you made the choice? Consequences are hard!
— Dietmar Perez (@Steeldiet) April 26, 2023
One more fan took a dig at LIV’s less golf aspect and commented, “I thought these guys wanted to play less golf?”
I thought these guys wanted to play less golf?
— Sam Hickman (@SamHick60072515) April 27, 2023
Yet another troll said, “Poor crater.”
Poor crater😢 pic.twitter.com/e82GA3bMdk
— Michael O'Sullivan (@mikesully82) April 27, 2023
Many fans came in support of Gooch, and said, “Shameful from the USGA.”
Shameful from the USGA
— Matthew M (@Matt51282) April 27, 2023
One fan was confused by the decision and said, “Not sure why he can’t play. It’s an Open. He can play in.”
Not sure why he can't play. It's an Open. He can play in.
— Golfblogger.Com (@golfbloggercom) April 27, 2023
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One fan called USGA childish, “Childish behaviour by the USGA.”
Childish behaviour by the USGA
— Mr Ping 🏴☠️ (@Pingman_golfer) April 26, 2023
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What do you think of this change in the rule by USGA? What do you think of Talor Gooch’s disappointment? Is it fair? Let us know in the comments down below.
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