Since LIV Golf’s inception in 2022, not one breakaway league player has returned to the PGA Tour.
Unlike its European counterpart, the PGA Tour has been reluctant to allow LIV participation. As a result, endless negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund have taken place.
Yet, a unique scenario could unfold. Despite the PGA Tour’s rigid LIV Golf stance, not one former LIV player has come close to earning a card until now.
Englishman Laurie Canter joined the LIV Golf League in 2022 and retained his spot for the following season. However, after finishing 44th last year, the 35-year-old lost his status and was forced to play a reserve role during the 2024 season, during which he featured in Mayakoba and Las Vegas.
Canter has spent most of 2024 back on the DP World Tour, where he won the European Open in June.
Ex-LIV Golf ace Laurie Canter could earn PGA Tour card
Canter has never held a PGA Tour card but could be set to make history over the coming weeks. If the Englishman can finish inside the top 10 on the Race to Dubai, he will become the first former LIV player to head back stateside.
The Englishman is currently in contention at the Abu Dhabi Championship and will know two impressive outings will give him a chance of earning a PGA Tour membership.
Unlike the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour has welcomed LIV Golf players back onto the circuit, providing any outstanding fines are cleared. Famously, breakaway league star Jon Rahm is reluctant to clear his fines and has lodged an appeal with the European authorities.
Laurie Canter could be banned upon PGA Tour return
Interestingly, if Canter does earn his way onto the PGA Tour, he may face some roadblocks. After making his last LIV Golf start in February, he was told, despite never holding a card, that he was banned from all PGA Tour-sanctioned events.
“I got sent a letter in the middle of the year,” Canter told Bunkered. “The PGA Tour clarified the position I was in, which was that I was unable to play for a year from the last LIV event I played in, which was Vegas. I replied, saying, ‘Thank you for clarifying that. I think your policy is absurd’.”
“And I do think it’s absurd. I’ve never been a member of that tour. How can you ban someone who has never played on your tour? I would understand it if I was a member of their tour but in my context I don’t understand it. I am a golfer, so I’m pro opportunity, but it’s a bizarre way of sanctioning someone.”
Canter is certainly an interesting storyline to watch as the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship heats up over the weekend.
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