PGA of America Makes Major Announcement Regarding LIV Golfer Qualification

The PGA of America made a major announcement today regarding the qualification of LIV Golfers and their status in both the PGA Championship and the Ryder Cup.

According to the PGA of America, LIV Golfers will be allowed to compete in both events, being deemed eligible so the fields are as strong as possible.

A Statement from the PGA of America. pic.twitter.com/Lg92Dl8U30

— PGA of America (@PGA) September 19, 2024

It said in a statement:

“To ensure the PGA Championship will continue to deliver the strongest field in golf and that the U.S. Ryder Cup team will continue to have access to the best American players, the PGA of America board has determined that LIV Golfer players will be eligible for both.

Going forward, all LIV Golfer players are eligible for the PGA Championship and any American player who qualifies for the Ryder Cup on points or is added to the U.S. team as a captain’s pick is eligible.

This is consistent with LIV Golf players competing in the PGA Championship the past two years. Brooks Koepka was a member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team last year.”

The announcement sets the precedent that LIV Golfers won’t lose their privileges, but what has really changed? Although LIV Golfers were at a disadvantage for qualifying for Majors and the Ryder Cup due to their inability to earn OWGR points, which are directly related to golfers’ ability to appear at both, there is not much of a real difference with this announcement.

The only thing it truly confirms is that the PGA of America will not take those players’ ability to play in these events away — which is a big development.

However, nothing truly changes with this announcement. We expected to see LIV golfers at these events, and they should be there. The big thing that remains to be seen is whether the Europeans will allow LIV Golfers to participate in the Ryder Cup.

Cover Image via Sporting News