Hours After Reportedly Betraying LIV Golf, Jay Monahan Softens the Blow in Latest Bizarre Move

LIV Golf, led by Greg Norman. has seen a lot of backlash over the two seasons since its inception in 2022. It has been facing a lot of criticism even after the $3 billion merger was announced between the three circuits. The same was the case, not too long ago, as the framework for the alliance saw itself being on shaky waters, no less.

But, as the Saudi-backed League saw itself in a precarious situation, things now seem to take a turn for the better. In an astonishing move of sorts, the PGA Tour, led by Jay Monahan, has seemingly extended a hand of friendship, an offering of peace one might say, to the PIF-funded circuit, surprising many along the way!

PGA Tour takes step towards peace with LIV Golf

There have been a lot of unclear waters on the $3 billion merger as reports by Alan Shipnuck indicated the “framework agreement” to be falling apart. Moreover, as the deadline for the accord creeps up slowly, one can’t help but look up to the PGA Tour as they adopt a bizarre step of sorts by not going ahead with the classification of the LIV Golf Promotions Event as an “unauthorized tournament.”

In a surprising move by the circuit, the Tour would not ban any players from the same for participating in the upcoming tournament set to take place in Abu Dhabi during the month of December. Moreover, the competition is not deemed “part of an unauthorized series,” as per an exclusive interview by a PGA spokesperson, but instead is only a “qualifying event.”

However, adding to the same, the Tour mentioned how the “classification is subject to change should the details of the event change.” If the tournament becomes a part of the series, it would require the circuit to ban the golfers participating in the same from all PGA Tour and co-sanctioned events.

The “green light” comes as a relief to players on the circuit who would want to try a hand at the PIF-funded league. Moreover, they would be able to take part in an event that would decide the future of LIV Golf.

Replacing players through the LIV Golf Promotions event

The 2023 season of the Middle Eastern League saw many players, including the likes of Chase Koepka, Jediah Morgan, James Piot, and Sihwan Kim unable to cement their positions for the 2024 season, being part of the ‘Drop Zone’. However, one of the four spots has been occupied by Andy Ogletree, leaving the rest three to be filled via the Promotions Event.

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The tournament would boast a prize purse of $1.5 million and would see itself kick off on the 8th of December. Moreover, it would witness a different format through the three days as the first two rounds would include 18 holes each. The third day would carry out the final with 36 holes with the top 3 receiving $200,000, $150,000, and $100,000 respectively. The golf world would surely be looking forward to the same.

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