13 May 2023 , 20:00
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The DP World Tour face losing one of their biggest sponsors in car manufacturer Porsche after they suspended both Martin Kaymer and Paul Casey from the upcoming European Open.
The Tour event based in Hamburg is sponsored by Porsche, but the field will not contain two of Europe's most successful players. Both Kaymer and Casey made the controversial decision to join LIV Golf last summer, and this has come with its consequences.
Following a dispute into the legal battle between LIV Golf and the DP World Tour, Sports Resolutions ruled in favour of the latter, allowing them the power to fine and suspend players who have defected to the breakaway league.
26 golfers - including Kaymer and Casey - were issued financial penalties ranging between £12,500 to £100,000. Amid the fines, a number of big LIV names, including Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia opted to resign their DP World Tour memberships.
Casey and Kaymer though seem keen to keep hold of their Tour cards after planning to enter next month's European Open. The event is close to both LIV stars, with Casey an ambassador for sponsor, Porsche and Kaymer are keen supporter of tournaments in his home country.
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Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer have both been suspendedTheir entries have however been refused, with the pair serving their suspensions handed out by DP World Tour boss Keith Pelley. This decision though has upset the bosses at Porsche, with the car manufacturer said to be in discussions with the Tour about the future of the event.
Per the Guardian, a Porsche spokesperson said: "We heard about the individual sanctions of the Tour against players. But as those are individual we do not know so far what this means exactly to each player and are in contact with the Tour and the managements.
"The Porsche European Open is a great event. We are in discussions about the future of the event with the promoter and the Tour.” The Hamburg-based event will kick off next month on June 1, taking place at Green Eagle Golf Courses.