Keith Pelley Responds After LIV Golf Players Threaten Legal Action
The DP World Tour chief has addressed the "inaccurate" claims made by 16 players, who also threatened legal action
Keith Pelley has hit back at the 16 LIV Golf players who threatened to take legal action after being banned from the Genesis Scottish Open and fined £100,000 for playing in the first Saudi-backed event without a release.
The DP World Tour CEO was given until 5pm today to respond to the letter - signed by the likes of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter - which demanded the sanctions dished out be overturned.
Instead, Pelley called out the "many inaccuracies" in a scathing statement that also questioned claims the players "care deeply" for what was formerly the European Tour.
The divide that is now well established between the rival tours threatens to fracture the game and has even strained some player relationships to breaking point. Golf Monthly revealed earlier this week there has been a "complete deterioration" in the friendship between Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia, while Fred Couples admitted he may never speak to Phil Mickelson again.
Pelley's response in full:
“There has been a leak to the media of a letter we received on behalf of a number of LIV Golf players which contains so many inaccuracies that it cannot remain unchallenged.
“Before joining LIV Golf, players knew there would be consequences if they chose money over competition. Many of them at the time understood and accepted that. Indeed, as one player named in the letter said in a media interview earlier this year; ‘If they ban me, they ban me.’ It is not credible that some are now surprised with the actions we have taken.
“The letter claims that these players ‘care deeply’ for the DP World Tour. An analysis of the past participation statistics on our Tour in recent years of several of the leading players named, suggests otherwise.
Get the top Black Friday deals right in your inbox: Sign up now!
The hottest deals and product recommendations during deals season straight to your inbox plus all the best game-changing tips, in-depth features and the latest news and insights around the game.
“One player in particular named in the note has only played six Rolex Series events in the past five years. Another one, only four. I wish many of them had been as keen to play on our Tour then as they seem to be now, based on the fact they have either resigned their membership of the PGA TOUR or, if they are still in membership, have been suspended indefinitely.
“Furthermore, given how deeply these players say they care about the DP World Tour, perhaps some of them could have played in Ireland this week in support of our new title sponsor, in particular one player who gave us a signed commitment to play at Mount Juliet.
“With that player currently in action at Pumpkin Ridge, you can imagine the allegation in the letter that we are in the wrong, is hard to accept.
Video: What is LIV Golf?
“We also take great exception to an allegation made near the end of the letter which states we are somehow playing ‘second fiddle’ to the PGA TOUR. Nothing could be further from the truth.
“We held a player meeting in Ireland on Tuesday where we outlined in great detail all the many benefits of our expanded relationship with the PGA TOUR.
“One of those is an unprecedented ten cards on offer to the PGA TOUR, cards that many of the players named in this letter desperately wanted to attain in the early stages of their careers. Why now be critical of those trying to do the same?
“The letter also expresses supposed concern about the future of the DP World Tour. Rest assured no-one should have any worries on that score.
“The DP World Tour is a vibrant, independent and global Tour with increasing and guaranteed prize fund growth over the next five years. We have fantastic tournaments across the year including a host of wonderful national Opens, all played in front of huge crowds, illustrated perfectly by this week’s Horizon Irish Open.
“Finally, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on any potential legal matters.
“I will simply reiterate that our Members’ Regulations which have been in force for more than 30 years, have been accepted by all the players, are there to protect all of our members, and we will use them to take all necessary steps to protect their interests.
“The sanctions for those members who knowingly broke our rules by playing at the Centurion Club without a release are proportionate, fair and, I believe, considered necessary by the majority of our members.”
A lifelong golf fan, Andy graduated in 2019 with a degree in Sports Journalism and got his first role in the industry as the Instruction Editor for National Club Golfer. From there, he decided to go freelance and now covers a variety of topics for Golf Monthly.
Andy took up the game at the age of seven and even harboured ambitions of a career in the professional ranks for a spell. That didn’t pan out, but he still enjoys his weekend golf at Royal Troon and holds a scratch handicap. As a side note, he's made five holes-in-one and could quite possibly be Retief Goosen’s biggest fan.
As well as the above, some of Andy's work has featured on websites such as goal.com, dailyrecord.co.uk, and theopen.com.
What's in Andy's bag?
Driver: Callaway Mavrik Sub-Zero (9°)
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 Plus (15°)
Driving iron: Titleist U500 (17°)
Irons: Mizuno mp32 (4-PW)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM9 (50°, 54° and 58°)
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron Newport 2.5
Ball: TaylorMade TP5x
-
Cyber Monday Is Here, And Here Are 35 Golf Deals I Recommend...
Get a grip of Cyber Monday with these 35 amazing deals currently live during the last shopping event before Christmas.
By Sam Tremlett Last updated
-
Cyber Monday Golf Deals Live: hundreds of deals go live from top brands like Callaway, TaylorMade and Nike
Don't miss out on all the latest deals from Cyber Monday, with thousands live from brands like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, Ping and more
By Sam Tremlett Last updated
-
LIV Golfer Lee Westwood Set For Over-50s Debut At US Senior Open
The LIV golfer - who turned 51 in April - is set to tee it up at the US Senior Open this week in what will be his first Major appearance in the over-50s category
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
‘The R&A Won't Put Their Foot Down' - Lee Westwood Reveals Eye-Watering DP World Tour Fine And Why He Can't Play Senior Open
The former World No.1 says the only senior Major he cannot play is The Senior Open Championship due to outstanding fines owed to the European Tour
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Former Premier League Player Wins Close House Club Championships
Former Middlesbrough and Sunderland player, Lee Cattermole, managed to secure the title by just one shot
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'We've Got 14 Majors Out Here Now' - Pro On The Strength Of LIV Golf
Branden Grace says LIV Golf now has 14 events just like Majors given the increased strength of the field
By Paul Higham Published
-
Poulter Says It's 'Full Steam Ahead' For LIV Golf
Ian Poulter says it's "full steam ahead" for LIV Golf while Lee Westwood says it'll only get stronger after the PGA Tour-PIF deal
By Paul Higham Published
-
Westwood And Poulter Explain Why They Skipped Open Championship Qualifying
Ian Poulter said Open qualifying didn't really fit in with his schedule, while Lee Westwood had hoped to play in the Senior Open this year
By Paul Higham Published
-
'Too Much Chaos' - Kaymer Says 2023 Ryder Cup Should Go Ahead Without LIV Europeans
The German wants LIV players to be eligible for future Ryder Cups, but admits it would be too messy for Europe to change their plans for Rome
By Paul Higham Published
-
'I'm Good Enough To Be Out There' - McDowell Hopeful Of Ryder Cup Future After Merger
Graeme McDowell thinks he has a future in the Ryder Cup, but only beyond the 2023 tournament
By Mike Hall Published