News

PGA Tour suspends current and future LIV players; LIV Golf responds

Published

4 years ago

Jun 9, 2022

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.”

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16 Comments

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.

Reply Report comment
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.,

Reply Report comment
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…

Reply Report comment
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…

Reply Report comment
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?

Reply Report comment
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.

Reply Report comment
ray banfield

Jun 9, 2022 at 2:43 pm

America the land of the free. unless Monahan decides otherwise

Reply Report comment
- 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.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - 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?
    
    Reply Report comment
    - 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.
      
      Reply Report comment
      - Jbone
        
        Jun 9, 2022 at 10:46 pm
        
        You sound very happy and successful
        
        Reply Report comment
  - 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.
    
    Reply Report comment
James

Jun 9, 2022 at 12:12 pm

Wh***ing for Bonesaw petrodollars.

Good riddance.

Reply Report comment
- Dixon Diaz
  
  Jun 9, 2022 at 2:04 pm
  
  PGA dying a slow death. Good riddance.
  
  Reply Report comment
  - Rich
    
    Jun 9, 2022 at 9:54 pm
    
    Go back to nanny state hole, leach.
    
    Reply Report comment

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open

Published

1 hour ago

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GolfWRX Staff

GolfWRX Tour Photographer made the trip from the Memorial Tournament across the country to the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera. Check out links to all the photos below!

General Albums

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Tour Photo Galleries

Photos from the 2026 Memorial Tournament

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GolfWRX is on site this week at the Memorial Tournament, with both Alistair Cameron and Tour Photographer Greg Moore on the ground in Dublin, Ohio, where a strong field is assembled to pay homage to the Golden Bear.

In addition to WITB galleries, we’ve already been treated to an in-hand look at Tommy Fleetwood’s new TaylorMade Spider putters.

Check out links to all our photos below.

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News

Tour Tech Rundown: Heroic Henley

Published

2 days ago

Jun 1, 2026

Ronald Montesano

Around the world, the golf wheel spun this final week in May of 2026. From New Jersey to Austria, with stops in Korea, Texas, and North Carolina (don’t let me route your next trip) the world’s finest put their golf games on display. There were three playoffs, some known commodities and some new talent. It was the sort of week that we hope to have at this point in the seasons. June and July afford double-digit major events, and perhaps, one of this week’s champions will use this success as a springboard to new heights. Time to run it all down, tech style, in this week’s Tour Tech Rundown.

Thanks to WITBHub, Today’s Golfer, GolfWRX, and Inside Tour Golf for initial research into equipment.

PGA Tour @ Charles Schwab Challenge: Heroic Henley denies Cole

Eric Cole did nearly everything that a fellow can do, to secure a first PGA Tour title. He stayed one shot clear of Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin. He kept US Open champion Gary Woodland and wunderkind Michael Brennan two shots distant. He posted 70 on day four to reach twelve under par. And then, Russell Henley revealed his Dr. Strange cloak. Henley made 47 feet of birdie putts on holes 16, 17, and 18, to jump from minus-nine to twelve-deep, and secured a spot in a playoff with Cole. The duo returned to the final tee, and put on a stripe show.

Both golfers found the fairway off the tee, and Henley improved on his regulation play with an approach to four feet. Cole did himself proud, tucking an iron to a dozen feet, but he was unable to convert the putt for three. Henley is one of the best putters on tour, and he proved it once more by draining a putt for a fourth consecutive birdie, and a sixth PGA Tour title. For Eric Cole, that first victory should come, and soon. He has done everything necessary to earn the chalice lift.

Henley’s Suitcase

Driver: Titleist TSi3 at 10 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 70g 6.5 TX
Metal: Titleist TS3 at 16.5 degrees. Shaft: Project X HZRDUS Smoke Black 80 TX
Hybrid: Titleist TSi2 at 21 degrees. Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT hybrid 100 TX
Iron: Titleist T250 4-iron. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 5-6 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf AMT Tour White X100
Irons: Titleist T100 7-9 irons. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 48 and 50 degrees. Shaft: True Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue X100
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM11 at 54 and 60 degrees. Shaft: rue Temper Dynamic Golf Tour Issue S400
Putter: Titleist Scotty Cameron T5 Tour Prototype

LPGA @ Shoprite LPGA: Welcome back, Celine!

Soo Bin Joo had her eyes on a maiden LPGA title. She held the lead after two rounds, then hit a red light at the intersection of can-I and how-To. Joo posted plus-two on day three in New Jersey, and dropped to a T4 finish, which was still a career-best for the young Korean golfer. Instead of a new face, a familiar face returned to the top of the podium.

Celine Boutier was the It Girl in 2023. She collected four victories, including a major title at Evian. Boutier reached world number one status, then simply faded into the background. No wins came her way over the next 30 months. On Sunday, she collected LPGA victory number seven, at the same trace as LPGA victory number two.

Day three saw Boutier manage the windswept Seaview Bay course with six birdies and a bogey. She was challenged in the end by Thailand’s Arpichaya Yubol, who signed for a 66 of her own. Yubol came up one shot shy of the top ladder rung. Finishing in third place at -7, two back of the winner, was Ireland’s Lauren Walsh.

Celine’s Suitcase

Driver: PXG 0311 Black Ops Tour-1 at 9 degrees. Shaft: Graphite Design AD IZ-5
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Black Ops at 19 and 22 degrees. Shaft: KBS Hybrid Prototype
Hybrid: PXG 0311 Gen5.
Iron: PXG 0311 P Gen 4 5-9 irons
Wedge: PXG 0311 T Gen 4 PW
Wedges: PXG 0311 Sugar Daddy II at 50, 54, 58 degrees
Putter: Bettinardi Studio Stock 3 DASS

DP World Tour @ Austrian Alpine: KK? KK!

Kota Kaneko has a rhythmic name. It has strong vowels and a run of voiceless stops in its crunchy K sounds. On Sunday in Austria, Kaneko put a stop to a challenge from Portugal’s Ricardo Gouveia and everyone else, and claimed a first-ever title on the DP World Tour. Gouveia did well to reach 16-under par over four days, but Kaneko held firm, two shots in the clear.

Davis Bryant of the USA also forged a strong challenge for the win. He ended in a tie with Gouveia for second place. Kaneko began and finished his final round in a bit of a malaise, but he caught fire midway through. Birdies at 10, 12, and 13 provided the necessary cushion to cruise to the finish line without breaking a serious sweat.

Kaneko’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping Max G440
Metals: TaylorMade Qi4D at 15, 16.5, 21, and 24 degrees
Irons: TaylorMade P760 5 and 6 irons
Irons: TaylorMade P7TW 7-9 irons
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design at 46, 52, 56, and 60 degrees
Putter: Odyssey Ai-One Cruiser Arm Lock #7

Korn Ferry Tour @ UNC Health Championship: Improbably Alvaro

Alvaro Ortiz may have had a bit of scare on the outward nine on Sunday, but he came through in clutch fashion in the end. Ortiz began the day bogey-double, and added another double bogey at the 11th hole. He was mired in a downward trend, spiraling away from the top of the leader’s board. Ortiz found hope at the 14th, where his first birdie of the day tumbled home. Inspired, he closed with birdies and 17 and 18 to catch Ross Steelman at 10-under par, and the duo returned to the 18th deck for overtime.

The extra session concluded in brief time. Ortiz, buoyed by his newly-retrieved confidence, hit the fairway with driver, then approached to six feet and drained the putt. Gobsmacked, Steelman could do little more than smile and applaud, as his run at the top came to a close. The victory was the first for Ortiz on the KFT, and will implant him squarely in the chase for a PGA Tour promotion.

Alvaro’s Suitcase

Driver: Ping G430 MAX driver at 9 degrees loft
Metal: Ping G430 MAX 3W
Iron: Ping iDi Driving Iron
Irons: Ping Blueprint S irons
Wedges
Putter: Scottsdale TR Piper C

A party on the green!

Alvaro’s time comes in Raleigh with his first win @UNCHealthChamp ? pic.twitter.com/2dmtZdbSzk

— Korn Ferry Tour (@KornFerryTour) May 31, 2026

LIV @ Korea: Me llamo Joaquin

Chile’s Joaquin Niemann had been away from the LIV winner’s circle throughout all of 2026. This week in Korea, he reminded us that he is still a force to consider. Niemann chased down Taylor Gooch over the closing holes at Asiad Country Club, then claimed victory with a hole-one birdie in extra time. Bryson DeChambeau claimed solo third, one shot in arrears at minus-eleven. Dustin Johnson finished on fourth, one putt farther back.

Niemann’s Suitcase