Keith Pelley Confirms Stance On LIV Players In BMW PGA Field
After news emerged the rebels can't play in the pro-am, the DP World Tour CEO has confirmed his stipulations for the rebels
Next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth promises to be a high-profile event for more than one reason.
Not only is it the DP World Tour’s flagship event, with a suitably strong field including newly crowned FedEx Cup winner Rory McIlroy, a significantly higher purse than usual of $8m and the first tournament to earn points towards Ryder Cup qualification, but it will also include 18 LIV Golf players.
Video: What Is LIV Golf?
The appearance of players from the controversial Saudi-backed Series has already caused disquiet among some other players, including McIlroy and US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, who will also play next week, and that was before any intervention from the DP World Tour.
However, that changed when it was reported in The Telegraph that LIV Golf players would be excluded from the pro-am and encouraged not to wear LIV Golf apparel at the tournament. Further details have now emerged on the DP World Tour's stance in a memo from CEO Keith Pelley obtained by The Golf Channel. It read: “They will not be given any on course competitive disadvantage – i.e. unfavorable tee times – but they will not be required to play in the pro-am on Wednesday and will not be in TV featured groups.”
Facing awkward encounters from fellow pros, missing out on the pro-am and being asked not to wear LIV Golf apparel would likely leave even the thickest-skinned players feeling unwanted, but their exclusion from featured TV groups will come as another blow to the rebels – including Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Patrick Reed – who intend to tee it up at Wentworth.
It’s not the first time the DP World Tour has apparently sought to make an example of LIV Golf players with groupings. In June’s BMW International Open in Germany, nine of the 10 players who took part in the first LIV Golf Invitational Series event were grouped together, seemingly to make a statement from the powers-that-be that, while eligible for the tournament, they were not considered welcome.
LIV Golf players are permitted to play in next week’s tournament due to an injunction that temporarily prevents the DP World Tour suspending them from competing in its tournaments. The ruling is due after a full legal hearing next February.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Watch: Low Amateur Winner Hits One Of The Craziest Shots Of 2024 At Chevron Championship
Jasmine Koo received a huge slice of luck at the final hole, when her ball struck the advertising board in the middle of the 18th lake
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Billy Horschel Ties Course Record To Win Corales Puntacana Championship
The American has endured a tough time since his last win in June 2022, but Horschel produced a brilliant final round to claim a stunning victory
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'Determined' Rory McIlroy Enjoying The Challenge Of Finding His Best Form Again
Despite another Masters disappointment, Rory McIlroy says he's enjoying the challenge of trying to find his best form again
By Paul Higham Published
-
RBC Heritage Tee Times - Rounds One And Two
Some of the world's best players are competing at Harbour Town, with Rory McIlroy paired with Ludvig Aberg
By Mike Hall Published
-
RBC Heritage Prize Money Payout 2024
Hot on the heels of The Masters comes the latest signature event on the PGA Tour, this time from Harbour Town in South Carolina
By Mike Hall Published
-
'I Will Play The PGA Tour For The Rest Of My Career' - Rory McIlroy Emphatically Shuts Down $850m LIV Golf Report
The four-time Major winner has told the Golf Channel he has no intention of making the leap from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Manager Responds To $850m LIV Golf Report
Sean O'Flaherty has described a report linking his client with a big-money move to LIV Golf as "fake news"
By Mike Hall Published
-
What Would A 15-Handicapper Shoot Around Augusta? Rory McIlroy Gave This Brutal Response...
McIlroy's search for an elusive Grand Slam with a Masters victory continues but he gave short shrift to any idea amateurs could handle Augusta
By James Nursey Published
-
‘My Swing Felt Horrific’ - Rory McIlroy Last Man On Driving Range After Sliding Down Masters Leaderboard
Rory McIlroy fell from contention after a disappointing second round in windy conditions at Augusta National
By Ben Fleming Published
-
Butch Harmon Details What He Worked On With Rory McIlroy Ahead Of Latest Masters Bid
After a visit to see the veteran coach, could this finally be McIlroy's year to win The Masters?
By Andrew Wright Published