LIV Golf players have been ordered to leave their branded clothes at home ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth .
The European DP World Tour event kicks off on September 8, with the £6,935,000 sum on offer to the winner pittance in comparison to what rebel golfers can earn by winning their Saudi-backed events. However, Cameron Smith and co will still be competing in England in what promises to be a tempestuous four days.
And as proof that golf's civil war remains lightyears away from a harmonious compromise, DP tour officials have made an extraordinary demand. Bosses have told all defectors to refrain from wearing clothes with LIV logos in Surrey.
A stipulation in the contracts of LIV Golfers instructs they wear Tour-themed branding while entering events on other circuits, part of Greg Norman's bullish approach to establish his venture on the world stage. The Daily Mail has reported that memo sent to the rebels involved stated they "will not be required to play in the Wednesday Pro-Am and out of respect for our partners, our broadcasters and your fellow competitors, we would kindly ask you to consider not wearing LIV Golf-branded apparel during your participation."
At the Open Championship this year, Patrick Reed sparked outrage when he brazenly rocked up at St Andrews wearing multiple LIV logos on his shirt and hat when playing a practice round. Smith, who won in Scotland, has since joined LIV himself in a savage blow to the status quo.
The Australian has been joined by compatriot Marc Leishman, Chilean Joaquin Niemann, India's Anirban Lahiri, and Americans Harold Varner III and Cameron Tringale in signing ahead of the next LIV event in Boston. And he candidly told Golf Digest this week: "[Money] was definitely a factor in making that decision, I won't ignore that or say that wasn't a reason.
"It was obviously a business decision for one and an offer I couldn't ignore. The biggest thing for me joining is [LIV's] schedule is really appealing. I'll be able to spend more time at home in Australia and maybe have an event down there, as well. I haven't been able to do that, and to get that part of my life back was really appealing."
LIV players have already been banned from entering PGA Tour events, and also face exclusion from the 2023 Ryder Cup. The refusal to recognise rebel events with ranking points could also see a host of top players miss out on major championships.
World No 2 Smith also lambasted that notion, adding: "To the fans of major championship golf, it may be a little bit unfair on them. I think majors is about having the best guys in the best field on the best golf courses. Hopefully we can sort that out."
