Why Are LIV Golfers Not Playing the 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational, Despite It Being the First Mixed Event in 20+ Years?

Golf fans all over the world are ready to witness the first-ever amalgamation of male and female golfers this week. While names like Lexi Thompson and Michelle Wie West had their share of exposure on the men’s tour, the male golfers really haven’t played with the ladies before. But turning a new page in history and taking a huge step towards changing time 16 LPGA and 16 PGA Tour players come together for the Grant Thornton Invitational. 

With such an important tournament taking place it has left many wondering about why the LIV Golf players are not participating in the Invitational especially now that the talks of merger are not completely locked in but still in that air.

Why LIV Golf will not be involved in the history-making tournament?

The last mixed-team event, pairing PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players took place 20 years ago at the JCPenney Classic Golf Tournament from the early 1960s until 1999. But after that, no more such efforts were made. Nonetheless, the maiden Grant Thornton Invitational starts this Friday but it will not see the LIV Golfers participating in it and there are some reasons behind it. Firstly, as the name suggests this is an Invitational event and not open to all players.

In June the news of the merger was dropped upon the golf world but it has not yet reached a definite conclusion. The framework agreement is still rolling and the merger hasn’t been finalized yet. Despite its proposed date of 31 December fast approaching, due to many reasons like approval of the senate and disparity on the agreement terms between the two parties, no conclusion of the merger has been agreed upon.

In the meantime, the PGA Tour has banned the LIV golfers from playing in any of its tournaments hence no invitation was extended to LIV. And as long as the PGA Tour does not settle its difference with the Saudi league, LIV will not invited to any of its tournaments.

Another reason for the non-involvement of LIV Golf is that the Invitational is a limited-field event of 32 players only. There is an equal footing for the PGA Tour as well as LPGA in the tournament. So unfortunately LIV has no chance to play in the historical event this weekend which by the way has no cuts. But LIV is not fretting over this loss as it is busy preparing for its special tournament.

LIV Golf prepares for its own promotions tournament

The season for the 2023 LIV Golf is over and to prepare for the next season they are opening the gates for all players. Soon the LIV Golf Promotions will be held for $4m which has an open invitation event for the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Korn Ferry Tour. But chances are less that any players from these league will be participating as both has given their players a strict warning against participating which could lead to suspension if ignored.

Also Read – 2023 Grant Thornton Invitational: First Round Tee Times and Pairings

Given the previous history of some of the defectors who have left the league hanging, the European and the American Tours do not want to take any chances. Meanwhile, history will be created at the Tribune Golf Club this week.

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