Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Chief executive of LIV Golf Investments Greg Norman before the Pro-Am Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Reuters
Golf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Chief executive of LIV Golf Investments Greg Norman before the Pro-Am Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
LIV Golf may be a week away from our TV screens, but their persuasion of the best golf talent continues. The Saudi-funded Tour has signed nearly all the big names from their arch-rivals, PGA Tour. However, they now have shifted their focus to the rising talent of the European Tour with their latest signing.
After an inaugural season filled with mixed reviews, the second season of the lucrative Tour will commence on February 24th in Mayakoba, Mexico. While the preparations of the golfers may have begun, the management led by Greg Norman has also been taking measures to promise an exciting season ahead.
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Who is the new signee of LIV Golf?
While the big names on the PGA Tour always remain under the radar of the breakaway Tour, the latter has even made sure to sign the European talents. In their latest signing, Thomas Pieters is reportedly confirmed to become the latest defector.
Thomas Pieters is confirmed to join LIV golf and his team will be announced on Monday. This a great signing for LIV, Thomas is the World Number 34 and would have played a big part in the Ryder Cup in September.
Thoughts? @handicap_54
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 18, 2023
A Belgian national, Pieters has been playing for the DP World Tour since 2009 before turning pro four years later. He has recorded 6 wins in the Tour, with the latest coming from Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship last year. The 31-year-old’s recent growth has made him among the top 50 golfers in the world ranked 34th.
Read More: 2023 Genesis Invitational: Prize Money Breakdown and Winner’s Payout
Despite being in the top 50 ranked golfers, Pieters was snubbed by PGA Tour for competing at the Genesis Invitational. He even took to Twitter to vent his frustration by tweeting, “Sad to miss my favorite tournament of the year. Because well as #34 in world, I just couldn’t get in”, before tagging the PGA Tour.
Nonetheless, as he looks to further improve his resume, the golf world can witness the Belgian talent in near future at LIV Golf events. Since Thomas Pieters rarely competes at PGA Tour events, he wouldn’t mind suffering a suspension from the American Tour.
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Meanwhile, the Saudi-funded Tour’s players have no restriction from participating in the European Tour events. But the biggest blow for Pieters will be missing out on the upcoming Ryder Cup. The Belgian was considered to be a favorite to represent Team Europe to take down the American Team.
However, with his move to LIV Golf, his participation is in jeopardy. As Pieters’ move to the lucrative Tour made headlines on Twitter, the golf world didn’t shy away from sharing their thoughts. While some questioned the Belgian’s decision, others appreciated LIV Golf’s decision of signing the European star.
Golf world reacts to LIV’s newest player
No loss to team Europe. Early retirement is his choice. Fair play to him.
— Andrew (@CoachMoir) February 18, 2023
Nice player…probably underachieved on PGATour considering talent and Euro success. Solid signing but easily replaceable in grand scheme with young pipeline…i.e. Taylor Montgomery
— Travis Fulton (@travisfulton) February 18, 2023
Called it a few days ago. PGA choosing Meronk over Pieters for Genesis probably sealed the deal.
— LIVStats (@livstats) February 18, 2023
Can see more European players going that way after the way this supposed partnership seems to be working…
— CJ (@SuperSchar) February 18, 2023
This is a pretty solid get for LIV. Dude was essentially a lock to play on the RC this year.
— Jared Doerfler (@DoerflerJared) February 18, 2023
Should've invited him to Genesis lol
— Brandon Wilcox (@wrandonbilcox) February 18, 2023
What happens when the PGATour and their arrogance doesn’t invite a top 50 player in the world to the Genesis….they get what they deserve…
— michaelwhartonpalmer (@mgwp1) February 18, 2023
Also, it makes one wonder if LIV/DP World Tour will have a deal in place to continue to let players play on both tours. If so, I'd expect more moves halfway thru 2023 LIV season (prior to 2 European tournaments).
— LIVStats (@livstats) February 18, 2023
So the goal of LIV is now to disrupt the Ryder Cup and Pres Cup because their players can’t play? Interesting move…
— Alan F. (@Afontane10) February 18, 2023
A strange call knowing he’s foregoing a potential Ryder Cup spot, although the upcoming court case so throw all that into chaos again.
— Tom Kennedy (@TomKGolf) February 18, 2023
As the Saudi-funded Tour looks further to robust its roster, it only seems to get more difficult for their nemesis. Regardless, it’s great to see the newfound Tour signing rising talents apart from the already-established greats.
What are your thoughts on LIV Golf’s latest player? Let us know in the comment section below.
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Written by
Edited by
Manaal Siddiqui