Dumped LIV Golf star slams ‘frustrating’ DP World Tour as comeback stifled

Justin Harding is one of the players released from the LIV Golf Centre, with the South African star now having limited opportunities to play on the DP World Tour.

Former LIV golf star Justin Harding has enjoyed success on the DP World Tour after the Wentworth circuit suspended its 2024 schedule in South Africa.

Harding is expected to make a full return to golf in 2023 after suffering an injury in the New Year. It’s been a sad year for the 36-year-old, who was released from the LIV golf circuit after competing in the first break league season in 2022.

The South African was one of 48 players to take part in the inaugural 54-hole LIV tournament at Centurion, St Albans, before being invited to the second and third events in Portland and Bedminster last summer. Harding impressed in his three appearances with two top ten finishes and 19th, earning him just over £1m. But that happened in South Africa as he was later left out of the LIV squad, making way for Open champion Cam Smith. It has been injury after injury, but after a long recovery, he is ready to play in 2024. However, his comeback has been somewhat curtailed after X revealed that his schedule consisted of only 15 events during the year. Harding tweeted: “The new season starts today and we will give you an update on its progress. “We’ve only played five DP World Tour events over three seasons and 15 months, but it looks like the tour has decided to keep the book alive by only offering 15 events this season.”

He also revealed that he will not be able to take advantage of the Asian Tour events due to a possible clash with Team Wentworth and will instead have to focus on the Challenge Tour. He added: “Unfortunately, this decision will have an impact on my return to golf.”

“I am currently unable to compete in the Asian Tour without a license and/or the other 15 events, so I may not be able to return to competition until February, which includes some Challenge Tour events. Good luck to all our friends and golfers playing in our country in the coming weeks! Do not kiss me. ‘I’ll be back soon.’

Amid the setback, Harding received a supportive message from teammate Pablo Larrazabal, urging him to win in the early stages of his comeback to improve his game edge. “No matter how talented you are, win your first events and get back to where you belong,” Larazabal wrote on Twitter.