News
PGA Tour suspends current and future LIV players; LIV Golf responds
As promised, the PGA Tour has responded the the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series event taking place outside of London this week.
In a memo to membership, the PGA Tour indefinitely suspends players who are participating in the LIV series opener (and will also suspend any future entrants) pic.twitter.com/gVqW0Fsi09
— Ryan Lavner (@RyanLavnerGC) June 9, 2022
The memo was sent to the players on Thursday, with the main takeaway being all players who participate in LIV Golf will be suspended indefinitely. The players participating are also no longer to participate in the Presidents Cup.
“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan wrote in the memo. “But they can’t demand the same PGA TOUR membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners. You have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA TOUR card and — more importantly — to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf.”
Monahan also stated that any future players who tee it up for LIV with face the same punishment.
The PGA Tour has suspended 17 current and former members:
Sergio Garcia*
Talor Gooch
Branden Grace*
Dustin Johnson*
Matt Jones
Martin Kaymer*
Graeme McDowell*
Phil Mickelson
Kevin Na*
Andy Ogletree
Louis Oosthuizen*
Turk Pettit*
Ian Poulter
Charl Schwartzel*
Hudson Swafford
Peter Uihlein
Lee Westwood*
* Informed the PGA Tour that they had resigned their membership
Shortly after the PGA TOUR sent the memo, LIV Golf released a statement of their own.
is the entity blocking golfers from playing. This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.”
— Matt Vincenzi (@MattVincenziPGA) June 9, 2022
“It’s troubling that the Tour, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing,” LIV Golf said. “This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond.”
In our forums, one user is wondering how many birdies other players have had in a round while still failing to break par. @Lalan45, unfortunately, asked the question after a unique experience of their own.
They wrote:
“Today I managed 8 birdies but still shot even par, could have been a round to remember! What’s the most birdies you’ve made in a round and still didn’t break par?”
Our members in the forum shared their own experiences with successful rounds that still resulted in a score over par. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- kwcsports: “I’ve had 5 a few times, still shot 80+ haha.”
- jda: “I played a course for the first time, had 8 birdies, 9 doubles and an eagle. The infamous no-par round. I kept the scorecard. Every shot had a creek that I did not know about, or I was within 8-10 feet for a birdie look. To this day, I have no idea if I should be really jacked up or mad about that performance.”
- jvincent: “I think my record is either 5 or 6. Probably shot 75.”
- Instron4204: “3 birdies and shot a 92…man I suck!”
In our forums, one user is asking for thoughts on the best stock shafts offered in 2026. Stock shafts are the shafts included with a club when it’s purchased from retailers or OEMs.
@DTorres asked:
The last couple years has seen a lot of updates and additions to no upcharge stock shafts, which do you think is the best offering in 2026?
Im a bit of a shaft nerd and recently during my Members Testing with the Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond I found the updated Project X Denali Frost Black to be a fantastic stock shaft. I absolutely did not mesh well with the original Denali. Just curious what other people think are the current best Stock shaft offerings out with new models and stock Ventus options and LinQ options popping up here and there.
We were given the option for any stock shafts for our members review. I went with the 70g Black Frost 6.5 because it’s a shaft I don’t have, it’s an updated version of the original Denali and hear little about. I typically use a Diamana WB, GD VF or a HOF Raptor. I’m not saying it was neck and neck with any of those but it was a pleasant surprise I’m not accustomed to in stock shaft offerings.
Our members in the forum have been offering up their own thoughts on the best stock shafts available in 2026. Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- rsballer10: “IMO – MCA Ka’ili White Darkwave, Tensei 1k Black/white, UST Lin-Q White. People are free to spend their money however they see fit, but for me personally the shaft catalogs these days have enough options that I don’t see the value of a $400 upcharge. I have never had a problem finding a no upcharge shaft that fits the bend profile and weight that I need. Whether the paint job is good enough or not is above my pay scale.”
- bcflyguy1: “Project X Titan Black. I’ve had one in 60TX in my Quantum TD Max for several weeks now. Have to give Titlieist their flowers for finding a way to make it available as a featured option; very shrewd bit of business and one that I suspect will be duplicated by the other companies. TT/PX have a certified banger on their hands with Titan.”
- CTG77: “Undoubtedly, it’s the Tensei 1K RIP shafts from Titleist. The Tensei line gives about 98% of the performance of a Ventus VeloCore+ shaft at a tiny fraction of the cost if you’re looking for a blue or red profile. The white is not an exact match for Ventus Black, but it’s closer to it than the non-VeloCore+ Ventus shafts that come from Callaway or formerly came from TaylorMade.”
A reminder from your friends at GolfWRX: Father’s Day is June 21. And as we do every year, we’re rounding up the best gifts for dad.
As we say every year, there’s no better golf-related Father’s Day gift than a round of golf with pops. Be it a country club or your favorite muni, take the time to get together to play 18 if you can.
Let’s get to the gifts.
Ghost Golf Qualifier Diamond Polo
We like the new polos that Ghost is offering, as the fabric and fit are so good. These new Qualifier Collection polos breathe well, are lightweight, stretch with your swing, and of course look great. You can wear them on the course, in the office, or just out at a casual event and they will fit right in.
STR8-Strip Grip Tape Remover
If your dad is an equipment aficionado and tinkers with his clubs, this tool works wonders. Removing grip tape has never been easier, just put a little head on the tape and the STR8-Strip peals it right off the shaft without any damage.
Why Golf: Putting Thing
When it comes to practice, it is good to have a purpose. This “Putting Thing” sure does it. We know from personal experience how challenging it can be and how rewarding it is on the practice green. This also provides some competition for your kiddo to see who will unload the dishwasher or do the next chore around the house.
OluKai Lae‘ahi Men’s Breathable Slip-On Shoes
Riding to and from the course in style and comfort is always a good thing. If you’re in a hurry, it’s a nice feature to slide into your shoes and get to the tee time. For the post-game shoe, at your locker or while putting your clubs away in the car. Nice to slide into a shoe that looks good anywhere. Pair that with meeting the family for dinner, no need to change!
Therabody Theragun Relief
A little wellness goes a long way. Keeping loose is a good way to go when it comes to the weekend game or treatment during the week. If there is a little ache or pain, the Theragun is there to help out. Help loosen up the back for a pre-game warm-up or cool-down.
World Cup golf apparel
Something for the soccer dads. Embrace the World Cup fever this summer on the course with custom gear to support the nation of your choice.
FootJoy Pro SL spikeless golf shoes
Give the old man a break and save his feet with the Footjoy Pro SL Men’s Spikeless Golf Shoes for some added comfort on the course.
Bushnell Wingman 2 GPS speaker
Combine all the hits as well as some game improvement with the Wingman 2 Golf GPS Speaker by getting audible distance readings from 38,000+ courses worldwide through the Wingman 2 remote or speaker.
Personalized Titleist Pro V1 golf balls
The No. 1 ball in golf is a safe bet, and the Pro V1 fits the largest chunk of the bell curve if you don’t know what ball pops plays. Add personalization for a, well, personal touch!
- GolfWRX may earn a commission for purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
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Pingback: Report: LIV golfers facing potential ban from all majors from 2023 – GolfWRX
Hooded 4-iron
Jun 13, 2022 at 2:22 pm
To the former PGA TOUR players joining the LIV (Lacking Integrity & Values) Tour: Good riddance.
Richard Grime
Jun 11, 2022 at 3:21 am
Well I must admit to being conflicted about the whole thing really. On the one side golfers are independent contractors, not employees and can therefore play wherever they wish. So in particular the players coming to the end of their careers, can you blame them for a nice retirement package. Maybe though for the competitive players that are still enjoying a fine living and good sponsorship deals, why would you? For the top players they have a very nice life on the PGA tour and it is hard to ignore the sport washing that the Saudi’s are doing, not just golf though but boxing too.,
GenoK
Jun 10, 2022 at 10:46 am
It just doesn’t get any more pompous than THIS. Suspending 17 players, TEN of which have RESIGNED?? I love that “politics” in SPORTS have become the major stories in the press. More so…all of the “old guys” in different sports chiming in. WHO CARES what they think. Being 73, I have some perspective on major changes in sport, though most haven’t come with this much idiocy. Another pro football league comes to mind. NBA/CHINA partnership and IT IS. How about the major changes in golf EQUIPMENT, pricing the majority of us out of being able to benefit from most of it.
I’m guessing these players in LIV, care more about THEIR careers and discussed the decision WITH THEIR FAMILIES and chose to change tack. After what Phil has been through~~THEY DID IT ANYWAY. I wonder how much crap DJ has taken…
Big Guy
Jun 10, 2022 at 12:17 am
And just like that, the PGA Tour learns it isn’t the only game in town…
Jeremy
Jun 9, 2022 at 8:40 pm
Justin Rose. Rickie Fowler. Brooks Koepka, Terrell Hatton, Luke Donald, Harold Varner, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Charlie Hoffman, Martin Laird, Matt Kuchar. I could go on and on of those that may jump. Once the injunction goes down against the PGA, there will be many more. How about those “seniors” on the champions tour, like VJ?
Mike
Jun 9, 2022 at 5:31 pm
Golfers have been underpaid with little or no guaranteed money vs other sports (baseball, football, basketball). PGA should have seen this coming and tried to do something besides the lame pension. The PGA of America is a good organization.
The PGA Tour is very flawed.
ray banfield
Jun 9, 2022 at 2:43 pm
America the land of the free. unless Monahan decides otherwise
Chris Mackinaw
Jun 9, 2022 at 3:24 pm
Yea go support the saudis and act like your a patriot when doing so. Do you support terrorism also?
Did you tour in the Middle East? Or do you just like you act like a patriot behind your keyboard? Poser clown.
Brandon
Jun 9, 2022 at 7:31 pm
I did a tour in Kandahar in 2012 and I have no problem with theses guys cashing in while they can. An opportunity to provide for generations of your family doesn’t come along every day. Don’t think the US government doesn’t have people killed when it suits them. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. And nobody has any problems with the hundreds of millions of dollars Tiger and Rory have in the bank, largely provided by the fingers of Chinese kids working in actual sweat shops. Where did you serve?
Rich
Jun 9, 2022 at 9:53 pm
The bankers and weaponsmakers thank you for the entertainment and windfall profits.
Serving is for suckers and those who can’t create value.
Jbone
Jun 9, 2022 at 10:46 pm
You sound very happy and successful
Mackinaw's Daddy
Jun 25, 2022 at 2:55 pm
Hey dumba**, the DP World Tour, in conjunction with the PGA Tour, has played for ages in places like South Africa, Dubai, and even Russia. Where were you when they were playing these places with shady histories? No one gave a heck until they got on their high-horses about guys chasing their futures. As a 15 year pro, I have zero issues with anyone doing what’s best for themselves and their families. There are no guarantees in golf, unlike other sports, so people need to mind their own business and quit whining about things they have no control over. What is it with people in this world trying to control others’ freedoms and abilities? Is it fear of the PGA Tour losing its monopoly? Why do you care? Get a life.
James
Jun 9, 2022 at 12:12 pm
Wh***ing for Bonesaw petrodollars.
Good riddance.
Dixon Diaz
Jun 9, 2022 at 2:04 pm
PGA dying a slow death. Good riddance.
Rich
Jun 9, 2022 at 9:54 pm
Go back to nanny state hole, leach.