Martin Trainer on playing LIV Golf Promotions: ‘They might fine me’

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Martin Coach knew the danger of taking part in within the current LIV Golf Promotions occasions however went for it anyway.

“We’ll see what occurs,” he mentioned. “They may nice me.”

By ‘they,’ he meant the PGA Tour. Initially, the Tour confirmed it didn’t view LIV Golf Promotions as an “unauthorized event” on account of its standing as a qualifying occasion. However there was a wrinkle that led many gamers to go on the chance – particularly the necessity for a media launch from the Tour. Members nonetheless wanted to use for and be granted media releases by the correct deadlines: 15 days upfront for Korn Ferry Tour gamers and 45 days upfront for PGA Tour gamers. Regardless of the LIV Golf Promotions having been introduced in February, it wasn’t formally introduced till Oct. 26, lower than 45 days earlier than the primary spherical on Dec. 8.

“It was an odd state of affairs as a result of I used to be making an attempt to maintain my card after which I didn’t and weighing choices, and in order that’s how I acquired caught in that pickle,” Coach mentioned. “I don’t suppose it will likely be a suspension, most likely a nice.”

So, why do it?

“It was simply a possibility,” mentioned Coach, the winner of the 2019 Puerto Rico Open. The 32-year-old professional completed 178th this season within the FedEx Cup and is competing this week at PGA Tour Q-College. “I’ve a bit standing on Korn Ferry, I’ll get into some PGA Tour occasions, I can play a couple of European Tour occasions. Between that and this week, it was two probabilities to try to have full standing on a significant tour.”

Coach did not earn one of many three spots out there to hitch LIV Golf in Abu Dhabi, and he’ll want an unbelievable closing spherical at Q-College to complete within the high 5 and ties. He shot 72 on Saturday and is T-54 at even-par 210.

Coach, who as soon as missed 23 cuts in 28 begins on Tour, mentioned he feels as if he’s beginning to flip a nook together with his sport and nonetheless needs to chase the Tour, however he has already contemplated life with out golf.

“I don’t wish to wrestle on the mini excursions,” he informed NCGA Golf in its fall challenge. “If I can’t make it on Tour, I wish to return to highschool and change into a therapist.” Not sports activities psychology however the true deal. “I discover the human situation and human challenges far more fascinating,” Coach mentioned. With a nod to his checkered profession, he lets out a bit chuckle and mentioned, “Clearly there’s lots to investigate in myself.”