11 December 2023 , 11:57
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Former Majesticks GC star Laurie Canter will not be making a return to LIV Golf in 2024, after the Englishman missed out on a spot via a playoff at LIV Promotions.
Canter was one of a number of hopefuls hoping to earn a spot on the LIV roster for its second full season, as he competed in the 72-hole promotion event in Abu Dhabi. In Sunday's final round the Englishman came within one shot of securing an automatic place, after finishing on seven-under-par, one shot behind eventual winner Kalle Samooja.
Instead Canter was forced to compete in a three-man playoff for the two remaining places, as he tied with Jinichiro Kozuma and Kieran Vincent who also finished at seven-under.
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On the opening hole of the playoff the former LIV star looked set to join Samooja on the roster for 2024, having set himself up for a birdie putt on the par-five 18th. With Kozuma and Vincent settling for par, Canter knew that if his putt rolled in his return to the breakaway league would be complete.
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Sadly for the Englishman though he saw his effort from close range agonisingly drift past the hole, meaning a second playoff hole was needed to decide the final two spots. 10 minutes after standing over a putt for a LIV place, Canter found himself in all sorts of bother after hitting an errant tee shot within yards of the water hazard at the 18th.
With a tricky lie, the former teammate of Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson attempted to take on the water with his second shot, but failed and saw his attempt land into the water. With his chances all but lost, Canter was then forced to take a penalty drop, before laying up his fourth shot into a fairway bunker.
An impressive fifth from the sand then saw him get within 12-feet of the hole, but a two-putt followed to ensure it was a heartbreaking end for the 34-year-old. Vincent and Kozuma meanwhile were able to take advantage of Canter's miss-fortune, with the former securing his LIV spot with a birdie and the latter a comfortable par.
Despite his disappointment Canter took to social media to sends his congratulations to his rivals, whilst also thanking the LIV setup for the opportunity to compete. "Tough finish today! Congratulations Kalle, Kozuma and Kieran.
"Great ride you guys have coming up for you. Thanks for the opportunity @livgolf_league." Canter still remains a DP World Tour member, but it remains to be seen as to whether he will compete on the Wentworth-based circuit in 2024, after Tour members were warned they could be fined and banned for competing in the LIV Q-School event.
If that is the case Canter will be able to turn his attentions to the Asian Tour, with players finishing fourth to 10th in Abu Dhabi earning a spot on the circuit's International Series, which also provides a path to LIV Golf. Samooja Vincent and Kozuma however will be ever-present's on the Saudi-backed circuit in 2024.
The three qualifiers at the latest additions to the LIV roster, following in the footsteps of Masters champion Jon Rahm. Rahm's record-breaking move to the rebel league was finally confirmed last week, with the Spaniard reportedly being handed an eye-watering £450 million deal.