LIV GOLF LEAGUE
For 2023, LIV Golf will become the LIV Golf League, featuring 14 events with 48-player fields comprising 12 teams of four. LIV has stated there will be a promotion/relegation system at the end of the season, offering pathways for aspiring players to join the circuit.
LIV has promised their events will not clash with the Majors, international team events or other significant established tournaments, but it did pull off a significant coup, announcing at the end of 2022 that it had poached venues from both the PGA and DP World Tours. El Camaleon in Mayakoba, Mexico, formerly host to 16 editions of the World Wide Technologies Championship at Mayakoba on the PGA Tour, will be the site of LIV Golf Mayakoba in February – the first event of the 2023 LIV Golf schedule. Then, later in the year, the iconic Valderrama in Andalucia will host LIV Golf Spain from June 30 to July 2. The loss of such a prestigious venue is another kick in the teeth for the DP
World Tour.
LIV will continue its $300 million partnership with the Asian Tour for the International Series – this is significant, not only in terms of the investment, but also for the players it will likely attract. It looks probable the International Series will see LIV players entering in significant numbers as they look to accrue world ranking points to keep them in the frame for Major qualification. It will be fascinating to see if any of golf’s big four adjust their entry criteria.
Also of interest will be the decision on whether the LIV Golf players can continue to play on the DP World Tour. That is due to be made in February when a full hearing, presided over by Sport Resolution UK, will take place. If it’s judged they can play, we could see an influx of former PGA Tour stars entering into big DP World Tour events.