Not Yellow, But LIV Golf Defectors Find Red Flags As They Get Ready to Battle Tour Loyalists at the Augusta National

The fate of LIV Golf continues to be tumultuous, as observed in yet another legal decision. A decision by Sports Resolution UK has handed the DP World Tour its victory against twelve players who committed “serious breaches” of code by playing in LIV Golf events without permission.

Last year, a faction of players had requested releases to compete in the inaugural LIV event near London. Despite their requests being denied, the golfers played in the tournament and were fined £100,000 ($125,000) for their actions. They were subsequently suspended from playing in the Scottish Open.

DP World Tour CEO welcomes the ruling against rebel golf players

The 90-page ruling upheld DP World Tour CEO, Keith Pelley’s decision to deny the release requests from players. As per Sports Regulation UK, the European tour has a legitimate and justifiable reason for safeguarding the rights of its membership.

Earlier, Ian Poulter, Justin Harding, and Adrian Otaegui had appealed against the decision and punishments given by the DP World Tour. Later, the number of appellants grew to sixteen. However, Sergio Garcia, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace, and Otaegui later withdrew from the case.

Read More: ‘Got Their Cake’: Billy Horschel Raises Concerns Over LIV Golf Defectors Presence At DP World Tour Events

As a result, the court stayed the Tour’s decision to fine the players. On Thursday, however, the ruling directed the rebel players to pay the £100,000 fine within 30 days. DP World Tour CEO, Keith Pelley, has welcomed the new ruling. He also shed light on the qualifying criteria for this year’s as well as the future editions of the Ryder Cup.

DP World Tour sheds light on the ruling’s impact on Ryder Cup

Players who are Europeans and members of the DP World Tour can be eligible for one of the six spots. European captain, Luke Donald, can also handpick one of the six players.

Unlike the PGA tour, which suspended the players who played in LIV tournaments, the European Tour has no plans to ban LIV golfers.

Following the decision, Shelley confirmed that qualifying for this year’s and future editions of the Ryder Cup will be a difficult feat for the players. He also shared that three LIV golfers, Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, and Martin Kramer, can never be Ryder Cup captains. This is because the golfers failed to compete at the minimum number of events on the DP World Tour last year.

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What do you think of the latest ruling in favor of the DP World Tour? Let us know in the comments below!