Rookie of the Year and Former PGA Tour Champion Receive Permission to Play At Controversial Saudi Event

The PGA Tour has been highly against the LIV Golf ever since it came into existence. And one of the biggest reasons behind the rivalry was allegedly the lucrative Tour’s association with Saudi Arabia. However, the PGA Tour has recently announced that it was going to allow some top players to participate in a controversial Saudi event. Moreover, the field now includes the Rookie of the Year along with a recent winner on the Tour.

Let’s take a look at the latest development in the battle of Tours!

PGA Tour allows top players to play in Saudi event

Despite their longtime rivalry with the Saudi circuit, the PGA tour has taken a strong decision. And it has everything to do with an upcoming event in Saudi. In recent news, PGA Tour has allowed some of its best players to play in the controversial Saudi International tournament.

The Tour has yet not declared the accurate number or names of players who have requested releases for the PIF Saudi International. However, according to Golfweek and other multiple sources, Cameron Young, Lucas Herbert, and Cameron Champ are confirmed to be on the field. And other than these three, a few Korn Ferry Tour players also got their waivers to participate in the tournament.

Young was recently given the title of PGA Tour’s Rookie of the Year after he earned more than $6 million in the debut campaign. And on the other hand, Lucas Herbert won the Butterfield Bermuda Championship in October 2021 earning more than $2.5 million at the end of the season.

Read More: More High-Profile PGA Tour Players Commit to the 2022 Saudi International

Herbert’s agent Davis Holman confirmed that the golfer has plans to compete at King Abdullah Economic City on Feb. 2-5. However, representatives of Young and Champ have no responses for the world yet despite numerous requests for confirmation.

But sources suggest that the two have already received their releases from the American Tour. Still, there is no confirmation if the players actually intend to participate in the tournament.

Is Saudi International part of LIV Golf?

A lot of fans might think that Saudi International has links with LIV Golf. But to clarify their perspectives, there is no direct connection between LIV Golf and the upcoming tournament. However, Saudi International receives funding from the Public Investment Fund of the country, and so does LIV Golf.

But the tournament is actually an Asian Tour event and doesn’t have much to do with Greg Norman or his league. Although some might find it controversial since LIV invested more than $200 million last year in the Asian Tour, Tour players have received permission to play.

Herbert’s agent spoke about why the player wanted to participate in the tournament. “He has played the event in the past, enjoys the golf course and it fits well into his playing schedule following the Dubai Desert Classic,” he replied. The golfer has been playing in the tournament for the last three years. However, it is going to be the first time for Young and Champ.

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