Just a few days after rumors suggesting one of LIV’s flagship golfers and team captains, Brooks Koepka, is having regrets and exploring how to potentially return to the TOUR, new rumors are starting to kick up that will, hopefully, change the LIV news cycle to something more favorable.
Thomas Pieters is confirmed to join LIV golf and his team will be announced on Monday. This a great signing for LIV, Thomas is the World Number 34 and would have played a big part in the Ryder Cup in September.
Thoughts? @handicap_54
— Flushing It (@flushingitgolf) February 18, 2023
Although nothing is official (yet), The Telegraph has reported that current World No. 34 Thomas Pieters—one of the more skilled European Ryder Cup Team members following the LIV departures of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, and Lee Westwood—will be joining LIV in the coming days.
Pieters, interestingly, was part of the Genesis news cycle even before the LIV rumors started up due to the fact that despite being ranked No. 34, he was not extended an invite to the Genesis Open (taking place this weekend). It is worth noting, however, that despite his higher ranking, Pieters did not qualify for any of the invite categories to the Genesis.
Sad to miss my favorite tournament of the year. Because well as #34 in world, I just couldn’t get in @PGATOUR. #GenesisInvitational
— Thomas Pieters (@Thomas_Pieters) February 15, 2023
Regardless, whether the lack of an invite was the proverbial “straw that broke Pieters’ back” is unknown, as LIV negotiations certainly took long before Pieters knew he wouldn’t be traveling to Riviera Country Club. What is “known” is that Pieters will be, like many other LIV defectors, walking back earlier statements from just this past January that he would not be joining Poulter, Garcia, Stenson, and Westwood.
The rumor also suggests Pieters’ “buy-out” price is a guaranteed minimum of $2 million.
Cover Image Via UK Sports News
