If you need a sign that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still rivals, here you go

PGA Tour and LIV Golf Rivalry Intensifies

The PGA Tour has declared it will not grant releases to any members who participate in the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida. LIV Golf officials announced that their event, offering LIV membership for 2026 to the top two finishers, will be held in the United States, aiming to attract more tour professionals.

Event Location and Challenges

The qualifying tournament is scheduled for January 8-11 at Florida’s Black Diamond Resort. However, this choice poses a problem for players who belong to the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, or PGA Tour Americas.

PGA Tour’s Official Position

According to a PGA Tour spokesperson: "Because the LIV event is being played in North America, under PGA Tour regulations it is defined as an unauthorized event."

Any tour member competing in this unauthorized event faces potential disciplinary action. Moreover, non-PGA Tour members who play in the LIV Golf Promotions event risk a one-year ban from PGA Tour-sanctioned competitions, including Monday qualifiers and sponsor’s exemptions.

Context and Timing

This development was confirmed by Golf Digest following Sports Illustrated’s initial report. It comes just one day after LIV Golf announced plans for the third edition of its Promotions event.

Summary

The PGA Tour's strict regulations highlight its ongoing rivalry with LIV Golf, penalizing members who participate in LIV events held on U.S. soil.

Author's Note

This situation underlines the persistent tension between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, reflecting growing competition and regulatory conflicts in professional golf.

Golf Digest — 2025-11-05