LIV Golf defectors will learn their DP World Tour fate in February after independent body Sports Resolutions set a hearing date, according to the Telegraph.
The DP World Tour denied its members release requests to play on the controversial Saudi-backed circuit and issued a £100,000 fine and a three-tournament suspension to those that failed to comply - including Ryder Cup stalwarts Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell.
Englishman Poulter, Justin Harding and Adrian Otaegui took legal action against their home Tour and had the bans "temporarily stayed." The subsequent injunction placed on the DP World Tour prevents it from suspending LIV Golf players until the outcome of the hearing, which we now know to be in February.
With the hearing date some five months away, as many as 20 LIV Golf players are expected to take advantage of an exemption category to compete in the DP World Tour's flagship BMW Championship at Wentworth in September.
Although several LIV Golf players are expected in the field, including Patrick Reed, Lee Westwood, Abraham Ancer and Ian Poulter, they are unlikely to receive the warmest of welcomes. DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley has informed players that they are not permitted in the Wednesday Pro-Am and ordered they not wear LIV Golf apparel "out of respect for broadcasters and fellow competitors."
Recently-crowned US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick said it will be "odd" to see LIV Golf members in the field at the flagship event before branding it "a bit weird and disappointing." Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy offered a similar sentiment shortly after he was crowned FedEx Cup champion at East Lake: "It's going to be hard to stomach going to Wentworth in a couple of weeks' time and seeing 18 of them there. That just doesn't sit right with me," he said.
With LIV Golf players permitted, where eligible, to compete on the DP World Tour until the outcome of the hearing, they can also feature on the Race to Dubai and collect valuable world ranking and Ryder Cup points.
Ryder Cup Europe recently announced an overhaul of its qualification process ahead of Rome 2023, which includes a modification to the points system as well as giving Luke Donald six picks. The qualification period begins at Wentworth in September, which includes LIV Golf players - for now.
-
Tiger Woods Heads 8 Golfers To Make All Time Rich List Of Top 50 Highest Paid AthletesTiger Woods is the second highest paid athlete of all time behind only Michael Jordan in a new top 50 rich list from Sportico
-
Rory McIlroy And Shane Lowry Explain Golf Ball Tactics For Zurich Classic FoursomesDefending Zurich Classic of New Orleans champions Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry explained how they go about picking which golf ball to use in foursomes
-
'I’ve Never Seen Someone Hit A Driver That Good. He Played So Freaking Good. And You Almost Feel Like, How Do I Compete With That?' - Akshay Bhatia Wowed By McIlroy's Masters DisplayAkshay Bhatia lavished praise on Rory McIlroy's game at the Masters after playing the opening two rounds alongside the eventual champion at Augusta
-
‘I Spoke To Two Presidents The Day After’ – Rory McIlroy Reflects On 'Absolutely Amazing' Reaction To Masters WinThe five-time Major winner revealed he had spoken to two presidents in the aftermath of completing the career Grand Slam at The Masters
-
Zurich Classic Of New Orleans Prize Money Payout 2025Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry defend their title as players compete for a record purse in the unique team competition
-
Rory McIlroy Career Grand Slam Celebrated With Royal Mail PostmarkRory McIlroy's Masters win, which made him the sixth player to complete the career Grand Slam, was celebrated with a special postmark by the Royal Mail
-
9 Things Rory McIlroy Still Has Left To Achieve In His CareerAfter becoming one of just six players ever to complete the career Grand Slam, what else could Rory McIlroy realistically achieve before retirement?
-
Rory McIlroy Invited To Old Trafford By Manchester United Boss Ruben Amorim After Masters VictoryFollowing on from his Masters victory, McIlroy has received an invitation from Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, to show off his Green Jacket at Old Trafford
