LIV Golf cast off hits out at ‘frustrating’ DP World Tour decision

Former LIV Golf pro Justin Harding has aired his frustration towards the DP World Tour on social media.

The South African has been on the sidelines for eight months and has been dealt a fresh blow by his current employer.

Before he can return to competitive action, the 37-year-old has learned that the DP World Tour will limit his appearances this season.

Harding, a two-time winner on the circuit, has been given status that only allows him to tee it up in 15 events.

He also confirmed that without requesting a release, the tour will not let him compete on the Asian Tour in 2024.

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It means that Harding will have significantly fewer events in a bid to keep his tour card.

Posting on X: Harding said: “So, the new season kicked off today and just to give you an update on how things are progressing.

“Albeit I’ve only played five DP World Tour events spanning what will now be three seasons and 15 months, the Tour seems determined to give me just 15 events to keep my card this upcoming season.

“Frustratingly that decision affects my return to competitive golf (I’m not at present allowed to play Asian Tour without permission and or further events being deducted from the 15) and, as such, will likely only be able to return to competition in February with some Challenge Tour events.

“Best of luck to all my friends and fellow golfers who are playing the next few weeks in my home country.”

After competing in the first three LIV Golf events in 2022, Harding was kicked out of the Saudi-backed circuit, as he didn’t have a contract.

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Finishes of T10, T8 and T19 for Phil Mickelson’s HyFlyers did at least net the injured golfer over $1.3 million.

Harding returned to the former European Tour after being axed from the Greg Norman-fronted circuit but was ruled out with a hip injury soon after.

Nine-time DP World Tour winner Pablo Larrazabal offered his support to Harding, as the Spaniard replied: “As talented as you are, go get a win in your first few events you play and come back to the place you deserve.”

The decision comes as the tour granted former LIV player Bernd Wiesberger to tee it up in the new season.

The Austrian, who has eight wins on the DP World Tour, will be exempt for events under category 11 for the 2024 season, which got underway at the Joburg Open on Thursday.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.