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Michael Collins
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ESPN Senior Writer- Video writer/senior talent for ESPN.com
- Worked for several players as a PGA Tour caddy
- Former stand-up comedian
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Mark Schlabach
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ESPN Senior Writer- Senior college football writer
- Author of seven books on college football
- Graduated from the University of Georgia
DP World Tour has asked LIV golfers scheduled to compete in the BMW PGA Championship next month to refrain from wearing the LIV logo on their clothing, according to an email sent to golfers from the CEO of the DP World Tour, Keith Pelley on Tuesday.
In the memo, Pelley informed the players that they “will not be required to compete in Wednesday’s Pro-Am and out of respect for our partners, our broadcasters and your competitors, we kindly suggest that you consider not wearing LIV Golf-branded clothing during your time at Wentworth.”
Copies of the memo were obtained by ESPN. Two LIV Golfers due to compete at the BMW PGA Championship, which takes place September 8-11 at Wentworth Club in Surrey, England, also confirmed receipt of the email.
The Wall Street Journal reported August 18 that LIV Golf contracts include a stipulation that their players must wear LIV Golf-branded clothing when competing on other races.
Nearly 20 LIV golfers, including Abraham Ancer, Kevin Na, Taylor Gooch, Patrick Reed, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcialisted in the field for the BMW PGA Championship, which has an $8 million purse.
Several PGA Tour players, including the defending champions Billy Horschel, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick and Viktor Hovlandalso plan to play during the event.
After winning the Tour championship last week at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, McIlroy said he doesn’t look forward to seeing the PGA Tour members who defected to LIV Golf.
“I hate what it’s doing to the game of golf,” McIlroy said. “I hate it. I really do. Like, it’s going to be very hard for me to go to Wentworth in a couple of weeks and see 18 of them there. That doesn’t sit well with me.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has suspended members who have competed in LIV Golf tournaments without notice of a conflict event. Pelley suspended and fined DP World Tour players contracted with LIV Golf for three events it co-punished with the PGA Tour, but the penalty was temporarily blocked by a UK referee. A hearing is scheduled for February to address the suspension and fine.
Fitzpatrick, who won the US Open in July, said it would be an awkward scene at Wentworth.
Fitzpatrick said: “It would be weird to see certain people, in Wentworth. “That would be a bit odd, and obviously a bit disappointing. But they won their little thing (arbitration hearing).”
