LIV Players Cleared for Ryder Cup and PGA Championship!

The PGA of America has stated that golfers who are members of the LIV Golf League will be allowed to compete in the PGA Championship and be members of the U.S. Ryder Cup team since it has put LIV on the approved tours list. This makes it possible for golfers with LIV golf league membership to retain their eligibility for major tournaments without having to undertake any additional obligations.

LIV Players Cleared for Major Events

Previously, LIV players like Brooks Koepka benefited from a grace period that allowed them to compete in the Ryder Cup. Now, the inclusion of LIV Golf as an approved tour makes this eligibility permanent for both the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship. However, it does not award Ryder Cup points based on LIV event results.

According to Kerry Haigh, the PGA of America’s chief championships officer, the decision was a procedural move to align LIV with other major tours. “We’ve added the LIV tour to the list of tours that are eligible towards A-3 membership,” said Haigh. This adjustment simplifies eligibility for LIV golfers, ensuring they won’t face additional hurdles compared to PGA Tour players.

The move is seen as a step toward allowing top talent like Bryson DeChambeau and others to remain eligible for selection in key tournaments. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley emphasized the importance of having the best players: “I’m going to have the best 12 players… we’ll make sure that they are a member.”

For European players on LIV Golf, eligibility hinges on maintaining DP World Tour membership and fulfilling a four-event minimum. However, many European LIV players, including Jon Rahm, face fines for conflicting event participation—a point of contention that Rahm has openly criticized.

This decision from the PGA of America maintains a level playing field, ensuring that LIV players can still compete at the highest level despite the ongoing controversies surrounding the breakaway tour.