Tranlate this title The PGA Tour sanctions hurt the competition in spanish

With just over two weeks to go before the Presidents Cup at Medinah (USA), Geoff Ogilvy has revealed that he once again tried to secure permission to select LIV Golf players. The International Team captain had particularly hoped to count on his fellow Australians Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert.

The PGA Tour has no intention of softening its stance. As the tournament’s owner, the US circuit does not plan to allow players banned for joining LIV to compete within its ecosystem.

Geoff Ogilvy gave it his best shot right to the end.

The International Team captain for the Presidents Cup—which will see his squad face the United States from September 25 to 28 at Medinah, Illinois—would have gladly added a few players from the breakaway tour to his roster, starting with compatriots Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert.

Speaking to the Australian media on Tuesday, the former U.S. Open champion (2006) explained that he had repeatedly asked PGA Tour officials about the possibility of opening the competition to players from the breakaway league.

«Yes, I asked the question several times. I asked it two years ago when I got the role: ‘Is there a possibility?’ The answer was: ‘We can’t say there’s no chance, but we have to see how things evolve.'»

Two years later, nothing has changed enough.

«I imagine the situation simply hasn’t evolved to the point where they are ready to allow that.»

Unlike the Ryder Cup, the Presidents Cup is owned by the PGA Tour. Consequently, LIV Golf players remain ineligible. The situation differs for the Ryder Cup, which is jointly organized by the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe. This arrangement notably paved the way for Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Tyrrell Hatton to participate in the 2025 edition at Bethpage.

Regarding the Presidents Cup, the emergence of LIV Golf has had a particularly significant impact on the International Team.

For the 2022 edition at Quail Hollow, captain Trevor Immelman lost several strong contenders for selection after they defected to LIV just weeks before the competition began.

«I think our team—the Internationals—was hit a bit harder than the Americans,» says Ogilvy. «They lost some very good players too, but this year, [joining LIV] simply wasn’t an option.»

With Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott

Australia will be well represented at Medinah, notably by Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, though Ogilvy makes no secret of the fact that he would have liked to have his full squad available.

Cameron Smith was obviously a major asset. The same goes for Lucas Herbert, who proved this summer that he can compete with the best by finishing sixth at The Open at Royal Birkdale—a performance that included tying the course record with a round of 62.

These are two additional weapons Ogilvy will ultimately have to do without.

The Australian captain is primarily hoping that the situation will have changed in two years’ time, when the Presidents Cup returns to Australia—specifically to Kingston Heath in 2028.

«The future of LIV is a big unknown right now. Looking ahead, it would be fantastic if—regardless of how this all plays out—every international and American player were available for this competition.»

He added:

«It’s a major tournament, and it would be great to be able to select from the very best players.»

Jason Day sidelined
Ogilvy would also have liked to count on Jason Day, though for a completely different reason. The former world number one, hampered by back issues in recent months, was not in a position to contend for a spot on the team. Ogilvy then invited him to join the support staff as an assistant.

Day declined the offer in order to focus entirely on his rehabilitation.

«I asked him if he wanted to come. I really thought he could bring a lot to the team thanks to his experience and what he represents. But he preferred to focus on his rehab, and that’s the right call. He needs to make a full recovery first.»

It was a logical decision in Ogilvy’s view, as he felt it was impossible to risk selecting a player who was physically compromised.

«It’s a long, grueling week, and all twelve players need to be able to play the singles matches. You can’t shield a player for an entire week like that.»

At Medinah, Geoff Ogilvy will therefore have to do without Cameron Smith, Lucas Herbert, and Jason Day—three Australians he would gladly have had by his side in the attempt to take down the United States.