PGA Tour suspends Jon Rahm; others move up FedEx list،
The PGA Tour has informed Jon Rahm that he has been suspended for signing with Saudi-funded LIV Golf, a formality that has more to do with benefits for the players he leaves behind.
Mackenzie Hughes and Carl Yuan are the immediate beneficiaries of Rahm's decision last week to sign with the rival league.
In a memo to players Monday afternoon, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said Rahm's suspension “due to his association with a series of unauthorized tournaments” removed his name from the points list. eligibility for the FedEx Cup.
That means Hughes moves from No. 51 to No. 50 and is now eligible for all seven $20 million marquee events in 2024. It also means Yuan, who signed up for Q-school this week, wins a spot at No. 125 and has a full PGA Tour card for next year.
Last year's tour distinguished between FedEx Cup standings and a separate list tied to playoff eligibility and status. The distinction was that players who defected to LIV would not negatively impact those who stayed behind.
Among those who benefited last year were Rickie Fowler, who made the playoffs thanks to all the players leaving for LIV; and Jimmy Walker and Rory Sabbatini, who moved up the career earnings list and were able to use one-time exemptions to maintain their full status.
This year, Hughes just missed the top 50. He held on to his 51st position until the fall, which would have only guaranteed him a spot in the first two $20 million events. The Canadian can now count on teams like the Wells Fargo Championship at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Alex Smalley moves up to 60th place and is now guaranteed two $20 million events. The changes also affect Paul Haley, who moves to #150 and now has at least conditional status.
And this could affect Sahith Theegala. He finished No. 31 to narrowly miss the Tour Championship. He moves up to 30th, which could make him exempt for the US Open. This year, the US Open rewarded the top 30 eligible.
Travel was authorized because the new season has not started. If more PGA Tour players leave for LIV before the end of the year, it could lead to more changes.
Monahan also said in the memo that the board and management recently met with a group of players unhappy that flagship events will offer disproportionately more points for the FedEx Cup than other events, raising concerns that it is difficult for players outside the top 50 to play fairly. compete.
Monahan said the board will review how the new system works in June and evaluate whether changes are needed for 2025.
