The LIV golfers may still play for Team Europe in the Ryder Cup, despite the DP World Tour winning their arbitration case against them. The players were found to have breached the DP World Tour’s code of behavior by playing in conflicting events without permission.
The hearing was held in February, and the result was confirmed by Sports Resolutions UK ahead of the opening round of The Masters. The appeals of the 12 LIV players were dismissed, and they were ordered to pay £100,000 fines within 30 days.
The LIV players who were involved in the hearing included Ryder Cup veterans Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter. However, Chief Executive Keith Pelley denied that the result ends their hopes of being involved in future editions of the biennial contest. He said that the LIV players were not banned and that they could still play for Team Europe if they qualified or if Luke Donald, who has six picks at his discretion, selected them.
Pelley acknowledged that it would be more difficult for the LIV players to qualify for the Ryder Cup if sanctions were imposed on them. He added that it would also be harder for them to qualify because they had committed to playing in events against DP World Tour qualifying events.
Pelley cited last year’s example when Sergio Garcia, Graeme McDowell, and Martin Kaymer fell out of membership by not meeting the minimum requirement according to the tournament regulations. Although they were honorary members, they were no longer eligible to be captain or vice-captain.
The LIV players’ breaches of the DP World Tour’s code of behavior were deemed “serious.” However, Pelley’s comments suggest that there is still a possibility for the players to represent Team Europe in the Ryder Cup if they meet the necessary criteria.
Leon Osamor
