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Days After Voicing Frustration Against the PGA Tour, LIV Golf Succeeds in Poaching Unsettled Star as Fans Predict ‘Early Retirement’

Published 02/18/2023, 10:45 AM EST

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via Reuters

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.

Who is the new signee of LIV Golf?

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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What are your thoughts on LIV Golf’s latest player? Let us know in the comment section below.

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Written by:

Abdul Bari Khan

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Abdul Bari is a Golf writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed his Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Abdul is currently pursuing his Master’s in the same. With great affection for the world of sports, this avid golf lover turned to the course at a young age.
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Edited by:

Manaal Siddiqui

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