Days After the Billion-Dollar Merger, Latest ‘Petty’ Update Regarding LIV Golf Defectors Irks the Golf World: ‘Makes No Sense’

New twists and turns have accompanied the fresh alliance between the golf leagues. Even though a bridge has been built between the PGA Tour, PIF, and DP World Tour, the intricacies of the decision have not been completely woven out. Hence, many big questions still remain. Possibly the biggest of them is that of the defectors playing in the Ryder Cup.

While the rise of a new golf entity was called a “momentous day” by PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, it appears that it wasn’t quite momentous for LIV players who gave up their DP World Tour card. After all, as per recent news, their future for the international event isn’t looking too bright.

LIV golfers’ fate for the 203 Ryder Cup

Despite the grand entry of the golden era of golf, it hasn’t brought much reassurance to the LIV side, at least not for the remaining 2023 season. Even in his memo to the PGA Tour golfers, Monahan stated that the 2023 LIV Golf schedule will continue as planned. However, that is not the statement of focus. Rather, the next point, where he talked about the “fair and objective” method for those who moved leagues, particularly those who want to reapply for membership on the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Unfortunately, this opportunity would be granted in accordance with existing regulations after the 2023 season.

This lays the groundwork for the news brought forth by Nuclr Golf on Twitter. They said, “LIV golfers will NOT be re-instated to the DPWT this year and will be ineligible to compete at the Ryder Cup in Rome.” This aligns with the third point of the letter sent by the PGA Tour Commissioner. The players can only reapply for the tour cards after the conclusion of the 2023 season. However, the international event in Rome is to be played in September this year, which makes it impossible for those who resigned from DPWT to participate.

This includes players like Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, and others. According to ESPN’s latest report, Chief Executive Keith Pelley of the DP World Tour confirmed the same. He said, “There have been several suggestions that, with the joint commitment to end further litigation between the parties, this also means our sanctions against players who broke our regulations will be waived. That is not the case. The suspensions and fines previously imposed remain effective.”

Read More: Greg Norman: The Hero Golf Deserves, But Not the One It Needs Right Now

Pelley also stated that the DP World Tour must receive notice from players who renounced their memberships and desired readmission before May 1. None of the players who resigned from the Tour did, as per Keith Pelley. Fans also chimed in with their own perspectives on this decision.

Fans react to the LIV Golf players getting snubbed in the billion-dollar deal

The golf enthusiasts couldn’t help but wonder what the reason was behind LIV golfers’ ineligibility to participate in the Ryder Cup. For them, the merger implied the end of the rivalry and made “no sense”. Few even claimed it to be “petty”.

One of the fans felt that the merger was just difficult to understand. On the one hand, there is the news of unification, and on the other hand, information is emerging about “standalone enterprise”.

Other golf lovers were more focused on American players like Brooks Koepka and his participation. Some even hinted that no matter what, the European team did not stand a chance to win the Ryder Cup.

A few of the fans couldn’t help but take a dig at the recent union between the Tours.

As per reports, the actual application of the unification of the golf leagues will start after the 2023 season is over. Mostly, this year will follow the pre-formulated schedule. However, the only certainity is that with this unexpected merger, anything seems possible now.

What do you think of LIV golfers being unable to play at the 2023 Ryder Cup? Do you also agree with your fellow fans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story: After a Successful LIV Golf Adelaide, $400M Worth CEO Greg Norman Set to Return to Australia With Another Big Announcement