The PGA Tour, which governs the main men’s professional golf circuit in the United States, has suspended players who took part in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series this week, including Sergio García from Castellón. The suspensions also affect notable figures such as Dustin Johnson and Phil Mickelson, reflecting the tour’s stance on competing leagues.
The PGA Tour issued a formal statement on Thursday, issued shortly after the LIV Golf circuit opened its latest event. The statement clarified that players who choose LIV will not be eligible to compete in PGA Tour events. It also indicated that anyone who joins LIV in the future would face the same restrictions, emphasizing a strict separation between the two organizations.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan described the move as a consequence of players’ decisions driven largely by financial considerations, noting that those who opt for LIV cannot claim privileged treatment within the PGA Tour ecosystem. The implications underscore a clear divide in professional golf as players navigate loyalty, licensing, and competitive opportunities across circuits.
Prize structures associated with LIV Golf have been a focal point of discussion. Each of LIV’s initial seven events has distributed substantial prize money, positioning LIV as an extremely lucrative alternative for players who join the league. The tours’ prize pools have attracted attention for their size, with generous purses and high-stakes competition.
The eighth and final LIV stop, held in Miami, was anticipated to feature an even larger prize fund, reinforcing LIV’s appeal to players seeking a different career trajectory and potential financial security over a traditional schedule, which some see as more demanding.
In addition to the immediate financial incentives, LIV Golf has promised golfers a more predictable workload. The circuit has suggested that players who qualify year after year can expect fewer tournaments, a model that contrasts with the sometimes grueling schedules found on other tours.
As a result of the ongoing divide, leaders like Sergio García and Dustin Johnson, among others, have already experienced the consequences of their licensing status and are waiting to see how rankings and eligibility will be affected as the Canadian Open progresses and other events approach their conclusion in the current season.
Across the professional golf landscape, the suspension of 17 players signals a broader realignment within the sport. The PGA Tour maintains its stance on exclusivity and eligibility, while LIV Golf continues to push for alternative opportunities and a different approach to competition, sponsorship, and broadcasting.