Former LIV golfer and Austrian standout Bernd Wiesberger has found himself at odds with the PGA Tour, claiming that he has been “banned” from participating in two events on the DP World Tour calendar. Wiesberger, who began his career on the DP World Tour in 2009 and has not been a member of the US-based circuit, signed with the LIV Golf League in 2022 which led to his suspension from PGA tour events. Despite never officially resigning his membership from the DP World Tour, Wiesberger faced backlash from the PGA Tour for his participation in the LIV League.
Upon completing the necessary requirements and paying any fines associated with his suspension, Wiesberger was allowed to return to the DP World Tour. He expressed his gratitude for being able to play a full schedule once again after clarifying that he never officially gave up his membership. However, his plans to compete in two events in July run by the PGA Tour but featured on the DP World Tour calendar have been thwarted due to his former association with the LIV Golf League. Despite showing remarkable consistency and securing solid finishes since returning to the tour, Wiesberger’s participation in certain events remains restricted due to the ongoing division in men’s professional golf.
Henrik Stenson, current LIV co-captain, shed light on the complexities surrounding the divide in men’s pro golf, emphasizing the challenges faced by players associated with the LIV League. Stenson highlighted the repercussions faced by Richard Bland following his success and the restrictions placed on him in terms of accessing certain tours due to his affiliation with the league. The ongoing conflicts and limitations imposed on players participating in unauthorized tournaments have continued to plague the world of professional golf, creating barriers for players like Wiesberger who wish to compete at the highest level.
The PGA Tour’s regulation, implemented in response to the emergence of the LIV Golf League, prohibits players from competing in PGA Tour-sanctioned events for a period of one year if they participate in unauthorized tournaments. This restriction extends to qualifying events and tournaments open to DP World Tour players, enabling the PGA Tour to dictate player participation in certain events, such as the Isco Championship and Barracuda Championship. Wiesberger lamented the lack of clarity surrounding the co-sanctioned status of these events, explaining that the PGA Tour’s regulations govern them, allowing the organization to determine player eligibility based on their association with the LIV League.
Wiesberger’s suspension serves as a reminder of the ongoing power struggles and conflicts within professional golf, as players navigate the complexities of competing in multiple tours while adhering to regulations set forth by governing bodies. The divide between the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour continues to impact players like Wiesberger, who find themselves caught in the crossfire of competing interests and regulations. As the landscape of professional golf evolves, finding common ground and resolving conflicts between tours remains a challenge, with brighter minds needed to forge solutions that benefit all players and promote a more unified and inclusive sport.
