First LIV-drafted player bails on league, rejoins DP World Tour

Bernd Wiesberger returns to the DP World Tour after leaving LIV Golf

In a surprising turn of events, Bernd Wiesberger, the first overall pick in the inaugural LIV Golf Draft, has decided to leave the league and rejoin the DP World Tour. Wiesberger’s departure marks a significant moment in LIV Golf’s short history and raises questions about the league’s ability to retain top talent. After fulfilling the sanctions imposed on him for his previous LIV commitments, Wiesberger is now set to compete on the DP World Tour in 2024, becoming the first LIV golfer to have full-time status on a rival tour.

Wiesberger’s tepid reaction at the LIV Golf Draft in June 2022, where he shrugged off his selection as the first-ever draft pick, now seems fitting in retrospect. Despite his initial enthusiasm for LIV Golf, Wiesberger’s decision to return to the DP World Tour suggests a lack of long-term commitment to the league.

Wiesberger’s decision to rejoin the DP World Tour comes after finishing the 2023 LIV season at No. 41 in the standings, making him a free agent within the league. Surprisingly, there were no reports of any LIV teams expressing interest in signing Wiesberger, which may have influenced his decision to return to his former tour. Currently ranked No. 271 in the world by DataGolf, Wiesberger’s move highlights the challenges faced by LIV Golf in attracting and retaining top-ranked players.

During the summer of 2022, when tensions were high among players deciding whether to resign their memberships with the DP World Tour, Wiesberger chose to hold onto his membership. While it was unclear at the time how valuable this decision would be if his future was solely devoted to LIV Golf, it has now proven to be a wise move. By maintaining his membership, Wiesberger incurred suspensions and fines for each of the 22 events he played in conflicting schedules. Although he earned over $4 million during his two years at LIV Golf, the fines and suspensions took a toll on his finances.

Reports suggest that LIV Golf had intended to pay fines for its players, including Wiesberger, which would have amounted to $1.65 million for his 22 LIV starts. However, with his return to the DP World Tour, Wiesberger is now responsible for settling all financial obligations and serving any remaining suspensions. According to the DP World Tour, Wiesberger has fulfilled these requirements and will begin the 2024 season in Dubai in January.

Wiesberger’s decision to focus entirely on the DP World Tour next year may set a precedent for other LIV Golfers who have become free agents after failing to finish in the top 24 of the standings. As LIV Golf operates as a closed shop, with new players joining only when others leave or the league expands, the DP World Tour could become an attractive landing spot for those seeking alternative opportunities.

Conclusion:

Bernd Wiesberger’s departure from LIV Golf and return to the DP World Tour marks a significant moment in the league’s history. His decision raises questions about the league’s ability to retain top talent and highlights the challenges faced by LIV Golf in establishing itself as a viable alternative to traditional tours. As more LIV Golfers become free agents, their choices regarding their previous memberships will likely impact their future opportunities. The DP World Tour’s willingness to welcome back Wiesberger suggests that it could become an attractive destination for other players seeking new avenues for their golf careers. Only time will tell if LIV Golf can overcome these obstacles and establish itself as a long-term fixture in the world of professional golf.


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