PGA Welcomes LIV Players to Ryder Cup and PGA Events

The PGA of America announced that golfers who participate in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour will now be eligible for the United States Ryder Cup team. Additionally, LIV players can compete in the PGA Championship. To qualify for the Ryder Cup, golfers must hold membership with the PGA of America which has now classified LIV as an “approved tour,” granting membership to its players.

The PGA of America confirmed that all LIV Golf players can participate in the PGA Championship and any American player who qualifies for the Ryder Cup, either through points or as a captain’s pick, can compete. Last year, LIV’s Brooks Koepka secured a spot on the US Ryder Cup team as a wildcard pick, thanks to a temporary grace period following the split in men’s golf.

Officials continue discussions to address the divisions in the sport after the PGA and Europe’s DP World Tour announced a “framework agreement” for a merger with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, which supports LIV Golf. Meanwhile, LIV players can qualify for the European team, but they must maintain their membership with the DP World Tour and participate in at least four of its events.

Those who play on the LIV tour without a waiver could face penalties but can remain eligible if they resolve any sanctions. The upcoming Ryder Cup where the US team will face Europe is set to take place at Bethpage Black in New York next September. This development marks a significant shift in the landscape of professional golf as LIV Golf players gain access to prestigious events.