PGA Championship Welcomes LIV Golf Stars and Upsets Tradition
Experience the excitement at the PGA Championship with the unexpected invitations extended to LIV Golf players Talor Gooch and David Puig. A historic move that sets the stage for a thrilling clash between tours.
Golf Enthusiasts Eagerly Await PGA Championship with LIV Golfers’ Invitations
Golf enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club, as the tournament has extended special invitations to two LIV Golf players, Talor Gooch and David Puig.
Gooch, who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Tour in May 2022, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “Looking forward to Valhalla next week! Thank you for the invitation PGA. See y’all there.“
The PGA of America, the governing body of the PGA Championship, traditionally invites the top 100 players in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) to compete in the event. However, Gooch is currently ranked No. 644, while Puig, the 22-year-old Arizona State product who recently won the Malaysian Open, is ranked No. 106.
The decision to invite Gooch and Puig is particularly significant, as it marks the first time since the PGA Tour-LIV Golf divide that a LIV golfer has been awarded a position in a major championship based primarily on their performance on the 54-hole team-format tour. This move indicates that the PGA of America recognizes the achievements of LIV golfers, despite the ongoing tensions between the two tours.
Gooch’s invitation is especially notable, as he has been outspoken about his exclusion from major championships. Despite being eligible for the Masters, PGA Championship, and Open Championship last season due to his PGA Tour performance, the USGA changed its eligibility rules, preventing him from competing in the 2023 U.S. Open.
The inclusion of LIV golfers in the PGA Championship field is sure to add an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the tournament. With the defending champion, Brooks Koepka, also a LIV member, the stage is set for a captivating showdown between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf players.
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