The PGA Tour Has a Problem With LIV Golf’s 2026 Qualifier
The PGA Tour has labeled the upcoming LIV Golf Promotions event as unauthorized because it will take place in North America. This classification means that players, whether holding or lacking PGA Tour status, could face suspension if they decide to compete.
LIV Golf announced that its Promotions tournament will be held from January 8–11 at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida. The competition will award two players spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League lineup.
The key issue arises from the event’s North American location. Under current PGA Tour regulations, players are not eligible for conflicting event or media rights releases for tournaments staged within North America. Any player participating without proper authorization risks disciplinary action.
LIV Golf has not yet responded to whether it was aware the Florida event would violate PGA Tour rules.
The restriction on North American events has been a contentious topic since LIV Golf’s debut in 2022, especially when players sought opportunities in LIV’s early series held across the U.S., including its second tournament in Portland, Oregon.
Author’s Summary
The PGA Tour’s refusal to sanction LIV Golf’s Florida qualifier underscores ongoing tensions between the tours over event territories and player participation rights.