Austria’s Top Golfer Barred from PGA Tour Events Amid LIV Golf Controversy

Austria’s Top Golfer Barred from PGA Tour Events Amid LIV Golf Controversy

Austria’s most successful golfer, Bernd Wiesberger, has faced a tumultuous journey in the world of professional golf. Starting his career on the DP World Tour in 2009, Wiesberger achieved significant success, claiming eight titles between 2012 and 2021. Over 11 years, he competed in 68 PGA Tour-sanctioned events, establishing himself as a formidable player.

In 2022, following his participation in the Ryder Cup for Team Europe, Wiesberger made a controversial decision to join the LIV Golf League. His tenure with Martin Kaymer’s Cleeks lasted two years before his contract was terminated. Despite this, Wiesberger never resigned from the DP World Tour, allowing him to return after fulfilling all fines and sporting sanctions.

On his return to the DP World Tour, Wiesberger expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to compete again, stating on X, “I never resigned my membership and therefore I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to play a full schedule once again.” His comeback has been marked by impressive consistency, securing seven top-25 finishes from nine starts and a T2 at the European Open.

However, his plans to compete in two upcoming events solely sanctioned by the PGA Tour were thwarted due to his past association with LIV. Wiesberger revealed on X, “Just received a letter by the pgat banning me from playing the isco [newly-sponsored ISCO Championship] and barracuda [championship]. Never been a member either. Who knows what’s going on over there…”

The ban stems from a PGA Tour regulation introduced in mid-2022 to discourage players from joining LIV. This regulation states that any player participating in an “unauthorized tournament” would be ineligible to compete in PGA Tour-sanctioned events for a year. The Isco Championship and Barracuda Championship, while open to DP World Tour players, are governed by PGA Tour rules, allowing the organization to exclude players at its discretion.

Henrik Stenson, a current LIV co-captain, also commented on the ongoing divide in professional golf. Speaking to The Mirror, Stenson highlighted the inconsistencies faced by LIV players, citing Richard Bland’s recent experience: “I mean Richard has never even been a member of the PGA Tour but just because he plays LIV he is not able to play on the Champions Tour, it is how I understand it.”

Wiesberger clarified the status of the events in question, noting, “Isco and Barracuda are basically a ‘gift’ from the pgat to dpwt and only the pgat regulations apply. No co-sanctioned Event. And by this they can decide who play. Or not.”

This situation underscores the ongoing tension in men’s professional golf, a year after the framework agreement was supposed to bring a truce. As Stenson remarked, “Behind the scenes it is not as if everyone is holding hands and singing songs together… hopefully brighter minds than us can come to a solution.”

The unfolding drama between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour continues to shape the careers and opportunities of players like Wiesberger, highlighting the complex landscape of modern professional golf.