If you need a sign that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still rivals, here you go
The PGA Tour has announced it will not grant releases to members who compete in the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida. This event, where the top two finishers earn LIV membership for 2026, is scheduled for January 8-11 at Florida’s Black Diamond Resort.
LIV Golf likely chose a U.S. location to make participation more appealing for PGA Tour professionals. However, the decision creates conflicts for players affiliated with the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, or PGA Tour Americas.
PGA Tour's Stance on LIV Golf Event
Golf Digest confirmed, following Sports Illustrated's initial report, that the PGA Tour will not approve conflicting event or media rights releases for any member competing in the LIV Golf Promotions event.
“Because the LIV event is being played in North America, under PGA Tour regulations it is defined as an unauthorized event. Any tour member who competes in it is subject to disciplinary action.”
Additionally, non-PGA Tour members who participate will face a one-year ban from PGA Tour-sanctioned events, including Monday qualifiers and sponsor exemptions, due to the unauthorized status of the event.
Context and Consequences
- The LIV Golf Promotions event grants membership to its top two finishers for 2026.
- It is scheduled for early January 2026 at a Florida resort.
- PGA Tour regulations treat it as unauthorized since it's played in North America.
- Members competing risk disciplinary action, while non-members face a one-year PGA Tour ban.
- The announcement comes shortly after LIV Golf revealed plans for its third Promotions event.
This ongoing conflict highlights the deep divisions and competitive tension between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf as the battle for players and legitimacy continues.