In December of last year, the Masters Tournament made an announcement that surprised the entire golf community. They declared that for the 2023 Major at Augusta, LIV golfers would be receiving invites too. Many were worried that the tension between the players on both sides would cause trouble at the event. But as per recent news, due to a decision by the PGA Tour, players from both sides will collide much before the Masters in April.

Last year, the feud between LIV and the PGA Tour dominated the headlines. And the Tour has gone out of its way to ensure its players stay clear of the Saudi-funded Tour. Hence its recent move was shocking.

The PGA Tour remains quiet on the number of exemptions

According to a recent Golf Channel report, the PGA Tour has permitted players to compete on the Asian Tour as early as next month. The Asian Tour partnered with LIV Golf last year. Its prize money and exposure have both dramatically increased since then.

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The event that the American Tour players will be exempted from is the Saudi International, which will be played in Saudi Arabia. Royal Greens Golf and Country Club will host the event, which will begin on February 2. The PGA Tour recently confirmed that a “few” players have been granted an exemption to compete in the event.

The Tour further refused to reveal how many players had requested or been granted exemptions. Last year, the field included players like world number 6 Xander Xander Schauffele, Tom Kim, and Tony Finau. But there is no news as to whether either of the three will play this year.

Which LIV golfers will be participating in the Saudi International?

Joining the exempted tour players is World No. 3 Cameron Smith. The defending Saudi International champion, Harold Varner III, will also be looking to retain his title. All the Tour players who have jumped over to the other side have been banned from participating in any PGA Tour events. Hence, the Tour’s move to give out exemptions for a Saudi-sponsored tournament took everyone by surprise.

Many speculate that it is the Tour’s way of taking a step forward to an alliance with LIV. But there is still a long way to go before any bridges can be mended between the two sides.

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Do you think the players will be civil with each other in February? Or will the strain between the two sides get the better of them? Let us know in the comments below.