Dumped LIV Golf star slams DP World Tour as comeback stifled

23 November 2023 , 23:17

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Justin Harding is returning to the DP World Tour (Image: Getty Images)

Former LIV Golf star Justin Harding has hit out at the DP World Tour, after the Wentworth-based circuit limited the South African's playing schedule for 2024.

Harding is set to make a full return to golf in the New Year having been blighted by injury throughout the 2023. It proved to be a frustrating year for the 36-year-old, who was also released from the LIV Golf setup having competed in the breakaway league's maiden season in 2022.

The South African was one of the 48 players to compete at LIV's inaugural 54-hole tournament at Centurion in St Albans last summer, before being invited to compete at the second and third events in Portland and Bedminster.

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Harding impressed across his three appearances, securing two top-10 finishes as well as a tie for 19th to earn just over £1 million in the process. That would be that for the South African, though, as he was then cut from the LIV roster making way for Open champion Cam Smith.

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An injury-ridden run followed his dumping from the breakaway league, but after a long recovery he is ready and raring to go in 2024. His comeback has been somewhat stifled however, after revealing on X that his schedule currently consists of just 15 events for the year.

Harding tweeted: "So the new season kicked off today and just to give you an update on how things are progressing. Albeit I've only played 5 DP World Tour events spanning what will now be 3 seasons and 15 months, the Tour seems determined to give me just 15 events to keep my card this upcoming season."

The South African went on to reveal that he was also unable to take advantage of Asian Tour events, due to potential conflicting events with the Wentworth setup, and will instead be required to turn his attention to the Challenge Tour. He added: "Frustratingly that decision affects my return to competitive golf.

"I'm not at present allowed to play Asian Tour without permission and or further events being deducted from the 15 and as such will likely only be able to return to competition in February with some Challenge Tour events. Best of luck to all my friends and fellow golfers who are playing the next few weeks in my home country! Kiss ass boys I'll be out there again soon."

Amid the setback, Harding was issued a message of support by fellow pro Pablo Larrazabal, encouraging him to land a win in the early stages of his return to improve his playing privileges. Larrazabal tweeted: "As talented as you are, go get a win in your first few events you play and come back to the place you deserve."

Joshua Lees