PGA Tour makes intriguing Saudi decision over players amid LIV Golf drama
The PGA Tour is reportedly set to allow 'a few' of its players to compete in the upcoming Saudi international, amid their ongoing dispute with LIV Golf. Following LIV's inception last June, the breakaway circuit has been at war with the PGA Tour.
The American-based tour has made strong strides to keep their playing members onside, and away from joining LIV, which is funded by the Public Investment of Saudi Arabia. The mega-money on offer from the Saudi's has seen the likes of Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka all defect.
In order to deter others from following in their footsteps, the PGA Tour issued a suspension to anyone signing on the dotted line with LIV, which has resulted in their battle becoming a legal one.
Tour bosses have seemingly resented Saudi Arabia's new involvement with professional golf, but a number of the leading circuit's players are reportedly set to be allowed to travel to the Middle East to play in the country's flagship event. This comes in the form of the Saudi International, which kicks off on February 2.
The tournament is not associated with the LIV brand, and is instead an Asian Tour event after previously holding a spot on the DP World Tour's calendar. Ahead of the event, Golf Channel have reported that a 'handful' of PGA Tour members will be part of the field.
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LIV Golf has rocked the sport following its inception last June (Getty Images)The release from the American-based circuit may come as a shock to many, with one of it's most recognised and historic events, the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am taking place over the same week. Those who make the trip to Saudi are set to tee it up alongside some of their LIV rivals.
The event has been dubbed as somewhat of a 'warm-up' for the LIV season, which kicks off three weeks later in Mexico. Defending champion Harold Varner III, and 2022 Open winner Cameron Smith will be in their field - both members of the LIV Golf roster.
Do you think the PGA Tour will settle their differences with LIV Golf in 2023? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Cameron Smith will compete at the Saudi International (Getty Images)Looking forward to a playing alongside a 'world class field' Smith said: "The Saudi International regularly has one of the biggest line-ups of the season. It’s always good to play in a world-class field, I am looking forward to taking on some familiar faces and also competing with the best that the Asian Tour has to offer.
"I had a great experience at the Royal Greens last year and hopefully I can take it to the next level this year." A prize pot of £4.1 million ($5m) is on offer to those competing, with the event sponsored by LIV backer the Saudi Public Investment Fund.
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