23 November 2023 , 12:54
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Bernd Wiesberger, who played for Europe at the Ryder Cup in 2021, has rejoined the DP World Tour after being pushed out by LIV Golf.
The Austrian was booted out of the Saudi Arabia-backed competition after finishing 41st in the standings for the 2023 season. Wiesberger was out of contract after his second season with the Greg Norman-led competition, and his lowly finish put him at risk of being released.
He played for Cleeks Golf Club, captained by German Ryder Cup legend Martin Kaymer, and the team has decided not to renew his contract for the 2024 campaign. Wiesberger had the chance to earn a spot on LIV's roster for next season at a qualifying event in Abu Dhabi next month, but instead, he has returned to golf's establishment, with his DP World Tour application accepted by the Wentworth-based circuit.
Wiesberger has settled his fines for playing in the breakaway league and he intends to play a comprehensive schedule when the new season begins. In 22 LIV events, Wiesberger earned £3.7million in prize money, finishing in the top 10 just once.
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"Bernd Wiesberger’s application for membership for the 2024 season has been accepted by the DP World Tour," a spokesman for the tour said. "Wiesberger’s membership ceased, and he was removed from the Race to Dubai, after he failed to comply with the Tour’s minimum counting event regulation for the 2023 season, having played in only two counting tournaments – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.
"He subsequently expressed his desire to play a full DP World Tour schedule in 2024 and has fulfilled all sanctions – both financial and tournament suspensions - that were imposed upon him for breaches of the tour’s conflicting event regulation across 2022 and 2023. Consequently, his request for reinstatement has been granted by DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley, in accordance with the procedure set out in the Members’ Regulations."
Bernd Wiesberger struggled for form on LIV Golf, finishing in the top 10 just once in 22 events. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Wiesberger's return to the DP World Tour reopens the door for Ryder Cup selection. The 38-year-old is an eight-time winner on the European Tour and was part of Padraig Harrington's European team that was thrashed by the Americans at Whistling Straits two years ago.
Wiesberger has an impressive record in national opens, winning the Open de France, Scottish Open and Italian Open as he became one of the strongest players on the European circuit. Upon his return to the DP World Tour, he will hope to rediscover his form.
"I am happy to announce that my focus for next year will entirely be on the DP World Tour," he said on Thursday. "I have never resigned my membership and therefore I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play a full schedule once again.
"Included in that will be the traditional national championships that are such a big part of the tour and where I have enjoyed some success in the past. I look forward to playing in those and, of course, getting started back in Dubai in January. Thank you for your support."