The Saudi-funded LIV tour has stirred emotions in the golf world. The American PGA has suspended players from the US tour and the DP World Tour has both suspended and fined players from the European tour if they join LIV.
American Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson has said that LIV players are not relevant for the prestigious team competition against Europe next year.
– You are a member of the American Tour by playing in the PGA Tour. You probably understand my position on that from there, he said accordingly Golf Monthly.
Lee Westwood is one of those who has taken the step over, but his possible participation in the European team in the Ryder Cup may be threatened if captain Henrik Stenson reasons the same as Johnson. Stenson has not yet commented on how he views the LIV golfers’ being or not being on his team.
– Why would the rules for selection change so drastically just because another tour feels threatened? says Westwood according to BBC.
The former world setter has played in the European team eleven times. Which is also a record he shares with Nick Faldo.
Last week, the DP World Tour chose to suspend those who played the first LIV competition from three upcoming competitions and fine them with the equivalent of more than SEK 1 million.
– I am very disappointed with DP World Tours’ position on this. When I played the PGA Tour, there have been no problems, but all of a sudden it’s a problem now.
The second part of the LIV tour will be played this week in Portland, Oregon.