Former World No.1, Martin Kaymer, has withdrawn from the upcoming BMW PGA Championship due to the growing friction between LIV rebels and other Tour golfers. Kaymer revealed his decision in an interview with Golf Digest and claimed his judgment had nothing to do with the DP Tour or any of their players.

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Martin Kaymer statement about his withdrawal

“Of course, there will be friction there, that’s why I’m not going,” Kaymer said. “I don’t need to go to a place where, feel-wise, you’re not that welcome. They don’t say it, but [it’s there].”

There have been significant steps to curb the participation of LIV rebels in major tours around the world. Players like Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick have spoken against their LIV counterparts publicly and have demanded their exclusion from Tour events.

“I do love the European Tour and I do like Wentworth; I think it’s a flagship event that people like to participate in,” he said.

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“But under those circumstances, I try to stay in the area where the energy is high, where the energy is positive. I don’t know why I should fly to England and be on the golf course for four or five days where you are not that welcome,” he argued.

“Focus on the big picture in the game of golf”: Kaymer

Kaymer believed the leaders of both associations should join hands in creating a competitive and engrossing atmosphere for golf players and fans alike. “I just don’t know if the main people in charge of all the tours are able to put egos and personal stuff behind and focus on the big picture in the game of golf,” he said.

“I think it’s very good for the game of golf what’s happening with LIV and what’s happening with the PGA Tour now. All those things are good for the players, and I do hope and do believe in maybe in two or three years things will change and will turn out good.”

The two-time Major champion had qualified for the flagship event of the DP Tour and was among the top 60 players in world rankings to earn a place in the field at Wentworth.

The BMW PGA Championship has been keenly awaited – it is the first competition to tee Tour players alongside LIV rebels since the breakaway league began. Kaymer’s withdrawal is expected to set forth a series of pullouts by other LIV rebels, which will force the DP Tour to find their replacements sooner or later.

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