Paul Casey Signs With LIV Golf
The announcement came during the final round of LIV's second event in Portland
In perhaps a slightly surprising turn of events, Paul Casey becomes the latest player to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, with the announcement made during the live broadcast in Portland.
Ranked 26th in the world, Casey hasn't played since March due to an ongoing injury. However, this now means that LIV Golf has 22 of the World's Top 100 players, with the Englishman joining his fellow European teammates, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer, Ian Poulter and Graeme McDowell.
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Speaking about the signing of Casey, CEO of LIV Golf, Greg Norman, stated: “LIV Golf continues to attract the best players in the sport as it builds increasingly competitive fields with each event. Paul Casey adds to the growing list of top 50 golfers who are excited to be part of an innovative and entertaining format that is creating something new for golf. His proven track record on a global stage adds another exciting piece to the competition as we prepare for Bedminster.”
Because of the move by Casey, it now means he will face a suspension from the PGA Tour, with Jay Monahan releasing a strongly worded letter claiming that LIV Golf players are "suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate" in PGA Tour events. They will be removed from the FedEx Cup rankings and will not be eligible for the FedEx Cup.
The letter went on to say: "These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can't demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platforms as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners."
WHAT IS LIV GOLF
Casey, a former UNICEF ambassador, had previously spoken out about not playing in the original Saudi International tournament, then sanctioned by the European Tour, citing his then-association with UNICEF for skipping the tournament.
“It just didn’t sit well with me,’’ Casey told the Independent newspaper at the time. “I’ve not talked too much about it and I’m not sure I want to, but certainly signing a deal and being paid to be down there... I would be a hypocrite if I did that. Anybody who says sport isn’t political, that’s rubbish. Sport is very political.
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"I’m glad I took a stance, more so if it highlights the issues within the region, especially next door in Yemen. I’ve seen the numbers. In Yemen, 22 million people are facing starvation, 11.5 million of the kids. I didn’t want anything to do to get in the way of a great organisation like UNICEF."
Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.
Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.
Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?
Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°
Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°
Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°
Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW
Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°
Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
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