When the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf series officially debuted this year, it raised many questions about who would move from the PGA Tour to this new league. With the tour guaranteeing appearance fees in the millions, it wasn’t a huge surprise that some of golf’s biggest stars like Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau decided to join.
However, some critics oppose the new league, citing Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, including capital punishment, human trafficking, discrimination against religious minorities and strict interpretation of Sharia law.
The PGA Tour had warned players that there would be repercussions if they participated in LIV Golf events and responded by suspending those who participated indefinitely.
But can they legally do so?
Dr. Richard Franzadean of Hull Business College at Augusta University, said golfers are independent contractors and the suspensions could end up being challenged in court.
“Nothing will be resolved until the matter goes to court,” Franza said. “I think there are three elements that could determine whether the case goes to court or not. First, if someone who plays LIV Golf wants to play in a PGA Tour event and they are excluded. Second, if somehow the position on the majors changes, which seems very plausible to me. Third: Will these guys be included in the Official World Golf Ranking? This is important because the OWGR helps determine automatic entry into the majors.
Currently, golf’s four major tournaments, the Masters, US Open, PGA Championship and Open Championship, are not managed by the PGA Tour and have indicated that they will not prevent those who play in the LIV Golf series.
It is obvious to most that this is a money move on the part of the players. With the millions of dollars guaranteed to Mickelson, Johnson and others, they secure their future.
However, players might also be attracted to the fact that the series only has eight events and the fact that there is a team component. Additionally, each tournament only has three rounds, compared to four in a PGA Tour event.
Franza noted that by leaving, players could challenge the PGA Tour to change the way they do business.
“I think overall the guys would like to stay on the PGA Tour. But for some of them, it’s a way of trying to make a difference through the PGA Tour. I don’t know if LIV players are looking for collateral or not, but they are probably looking for bigger purses, even though the purses have already become quite large. I think they might want different events that aren’t all stroke play events,” Franza added.
The PGA Tour recently announced significant price increases for some of its tournaments in response to the LIV Golf Series.
