If you need a sign that the PGA Tour and LIV Golf are still rivals, here you go
The PGA Tour will not grant releases to any members who compete in the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida. LIV Golf officials likely hoped that holding the event in the United States, where the top two finishers gain LIV membership for 2026, would attract more tour professionals.
However, the choice of Florida’s Black Diamond Resort for the qualifying event from January 8-11 creates issues for players who are members of the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, or PGA Tour Americas.
Golf Digest confirmed, following Sports Illustrated’s report, that the PGA Tour will not provide conflicting event or media rights releases to any member participating in the LIV Golf Promotions event.
According to a PGA Tour spokesperson, "because the LIV event is being played in North America, under PGA Tour regulations it is defined as an unauthorized event. As such, any tour member who competes in it is subject to disciplinary action."
Furthermore, PGA Tour rules specify that any non-PGA Tour member playing in the LIV Golf Promotions event will face a one-year ban from participating in PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments. This ban includes Monday qualifiers and sponsor’s exemptions.
This announcement follows LIV Golf’s recent reveal of plans for the third edition of its LIV Golf Promotions event.
Author's summary: The PGA Tour strictly enforces bans on members who join the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida, confirming ongoing rivalry and tensions between the organizations.