LIV Golf has another of its own winning in the DP World Tour. Or do they? That’s the question the golf world is debating after Laurie Canter claimed his maiden DP World Tour title. Canter has played for the Greg Norman-fronted side since its inception. But this year, he has teed up in his home circuit more than in LIV. So, is he still a LIV golf player?

Not everyone agrees. In his first season, Canter was a member of the all-European Cleeks GC. After falling in the drop zone, the Bath-born linksman had to settle for a reserve player. Canter played 11 tournaments last season for the Majesticks, filling in for injured Sam Horsfield. 

From his two appearances this year, Canter recorded two top-25s, one at Mayakoba (15) and the other at Las Vegas (21). The 34-year-old has amassed $5,663,664 from LIV Golf since 2022. At the European Open, Laurie Canter pocketed $425,000 for his maiden European Tour title. 

The Englishman had six runner-up finishes in his 200 starts. After the victory, Canter expressed emotion by telling Sky Sports, “This is all I’ve wanted to do since I turned pro and even before I was a pro, so it’s really hard to rationalise, but I’m really happy.” 

But more than his victory, fans are disputing his LIV Golf status. Canter’s former LIV Golf peer, Bernd Wiesberger, also tied for T2. Some thought it was a victory for LIV, but a majority had none of it.

Where does Laurie Canter belong?

Canter told Golf Digest that his limited membership, category 18, allowed him to play in alternate tournaments in the weeks he wasn’t eligible for a DP World Tour event. Thus, the Bath native has been able to hop on to both Tours, without paying a hefty fine. Notably, Canter tried his luck at LIV’s Promotional Event to earn his spot back. 

Regardless, many believe he is more of a DP World Tour Pro now. “Neither of the players mentioned here are LIV golfers Luke. They were both palmed off for so-called better options,” wrote one. Another concurred, “They’re not Liv golfers, they’re @DPWorldTour golfers.” 

Bernd Wiesberger’s last LIV event came in Jeddah last October. Noting that one user rhetorically asked, “Is he not an alternate? Is Bernd not an ex LIV player?” 

Another user, however, noted, only a few have played and contended outside LIV Golf. And they commenced players like Canter for going the extra mile. “Nice to see some bother playing outside the main sideshow.”

On a similar note, another user pointed LIV Golf should’ve promoted players like youngsters like Laurie Canter instead of yesteryear’s stars. “LIV booted those guys for old fellas who are out of form, and a public relations move signing AK who has yet to contend… That is the big LIV issue, when one man picks the field instead of a system based on low golf scores you get this…” 

Before Laurie Canter, LIV golfers, Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen, and Joaquin Niemann, have earned bragging rights at DP World Tour events. However, all of them were a decisive member of their respective teams. But Canter’s status as a reserve player has made matters complicated.