However, by choosing to host the event in the United States, specifically at Black Diamond Ranch (Florida) from January 8–11, 2026, LIV Golf has unintentionally created a serious dilemma for players currently affiliated with the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, or PGA Tour Americas.

PGA Tour: “This Is an Unauthorized Event”

According to Golf Digest (citing Sports Illustrated), the PGA Tour has confirmed it will not grant permission or media rights to any of its members who wish to compete in LIV Golf Promotions.

A PGA Tour spokesperson explained:

“Because the event takes place in North America, it is considered an unauthorized event. Any PGA Tour member who participates may face disciplinary action.”

In short, any golfer under the PGA Tour umbrella who decides to compete at LIV Golf Promotions risks suspension or other penalties under Tour regulations.

Not Only Members—Independent Players Affected Too

The restrictions don’t stop with official members. Under PGA Tour policy, non-members who participate in any “unauthorized event,” such as LIV Golf Promotions, will face a one-year ban from all PGA Tour-sanctioned competitions.

That includes Monday Qualifiers, Sponsor Exemptions, and any developmental or affiliated events within the Tour ecosystem.

For many aspiring or fringe professionals, this rule effectively shuts the door to PGA Tour opportunities if they choose to chase a LIV Golf berth.

The Key Difference: Location

In previous years, LIV Golf Promotions took place in Dubai (UAE) and Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Because those venues were outside North America, PGA Tour players could request exemptions to participate.

But this time, by bringing the event to Florida — PGA Tour’s home turf — LIV triggered the “North America restriction” clause, which prohibits any such exemptions.

Put simply, golfers must now pick a side: remain loyal to the PGA Tour or risk sanctions by entering LIV Golf Promotions on U.S. soil.

Tempting Rewards, Heavy Risks

Along with the two official LIV Golf spots, the top 10 finishers at LIV Golf Promotions will receive full status on the Asian Tour’s International Series, a pathway also funded by LIV Golf.

Still, the potential consequences are severe. Participation could mean losing eligibility for elite PGA Tour events such as The Players Championship, the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and all official qualifiers.

The Battle Continues

It has been months since the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)— LIV Golf’s primary backer — paused discussions over a potential financial partnership. The silence led many to believe tensions had cooled.

Yet this latest development proves otherwise: the rivalry between PGA Tour and LIV Golf remains alive and unresolved, and the balance of men’s professional golf is still far from settled.

LIV Golf may be offering new chances for players to redefine their careers, but by staging its qualifying event in the U.S., it has reignited one of sport’s most complex turf wars — where every swing now represents not just competition, but a choice between two worlds.