Matt Fitzpatrick would not let LIV golfers return to tour

Matt Fitzpatrick has weighed in on the issue of whether players who play on the LIV Golf League should be allowed to make their way back to the PGA Tour.   

Speaking to Sky Sports News’ Jamie Weir, Fitzpatrick explained why he believes LIV players shouldn’t be allowed back to the PGA Tour or DP World Tour.   

“My personal view is that you can’t have your cake and eat it,” the 28-year-old said.

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“I would not let people come back if they’ve gone to LIV. I just wouldn’t. I think that’s just incredibly unfair for the PGA Tour to do that. I’d be staggered if they did allow them, I think if you spoke to Tiger Woods he would have the same stance. 

“I don’t know the stance other guys would have, but you’ve left a tour you’ve been on here where you’ve done so well and now you’ve left for something better, but it’s not always greener.” 

“I would not let people come back. I think that’s incredibly unfair. I’d be staggered if they did allow them”

Asked Matt Fitzpatrick about players with buyer’s remorse potentially trying to return to the PGA Tour, and the dilemma of Ryder Cup eligibility pic.twitter.com/5trNnczGSj

— Jamie Weir (@jamiecweir) March 9, 2023

The debate comes after the PGA Tour announced its new plan for designated events, where a smaller field will play all four rounds in no-cut events, starting from next year. Brooks Koepka was also rumoured to be having ‘buyer’s remorse’ over his move to the Saudi-backed circuit. 

Fitzpatrick also spoke about whether those now playing on LIV, such as his friend Thomas Pieters, should be allowed to play the Ryder Cup. Fitzpatrick believes that, regardless of where the players play, the 12 best from Europe and the USA should be teeing it up at Marco Simone in September. 

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“The Ryder Cup’s a different case,” the US Open champion explained. “It’s a completely different case. I’d want the 12 best players on the team, hopefully I’m one of those and we can try and win. That’s what golf should be, to try and win, not to be nice about who’s playing, in my opinion.”  

Fitzpatrick will get his PLAYERS Championship under way today at 5.34pm UK time this evening, playing with Viktor Hovland and Shane Lowry. 

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor