Laurie Canter was just moments away from securing a return to LIV Golf for 2024, but the former Majesticks star’s costly error at LIV Promotions saw him agonisingly miss out
Former Majesticks GC star Laurie Canter will not be making a return to LIV Golf in 2024, after the Englishman missed out on a spot via a playoff at LIV Promotions.
Canter participated in the 72-hole promotion event in Abu Dhabi as one of several competitors vying for a spot on the LIV roster for its second full season. The Englishman finished Sunday’s final round on seven-under-par, one shot behind eventual winner Kalle Samooja, and just one shot shy of guaranteeing an automatic spot.
Canter, on the other hand, was compelled to contend with a three-man playoff for the final two spots after tying with Kieran Vincent and Jinichiro Kozuma, both of whom finished at seven under.
After positioning himself for a birdie putt on the par-five 18th hole, the former LIV star appeared poised to join Samooja on the 2024 roster on the first hole of the playoffs. Canter knew that his comeback to the breakaway league would be complete if his putt rolled in, as Kozuma and Vincent had settled for par.
Unfortunately, the Englishman’s close-range attempt sadly sailed past the hole, necessitating a second playoff hole to determine the final two spots. Ten minutes after he was standing over a putt for a LIV spot, Canter hit an errant tee shot at the 18th hole that left him yards from the water hazard.
The former Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Henrik Stenson teammate tried to challenge the water with his second shot, but he was unsuccessful and watched his attempt fall into the water. Canter was forced to take a penalty drop after realizing his chances were virtually gone, and he then placed his fourth shot into a fairway bunker.
He then came within twelve feet of the hole with an outstanding fifth shot from the sand, but a two-putt made sure the 34-year-old’sroundwas heartbreakingly short. Canter’s misfortune was, however, capitalized upon by Vincent and Kozuma, the former of whom secured his LIV spot with a birdie and the latter with a comfortable par.
Canter, in spite of his disappointment, took to social media to congratulate his opponents and express gratitude to the LIV setup for giving him the chance to compete. “Very difficult conclusion today! Greetings, Kieran, Kozuma, and Kalle.
“You guys are in for an amazing ride. I appreciate the chance, @livgolf_league.” Canter is still a member of the DP World Tour, but it’s unclear if he’ll play on the Wentworth circuit in 2024 after Tour competitors were warned they might face fines and suspensions for participating in the LIV Q-School competition.
If that’s the case, Canter can focus on the Asian Tour, where participants who place fourth through tenth in Abu Dhabi qualify for the circuit’s International Series, which offers a route to LIV Golf. But in 2024, Samooja Vincent and Kozuma will continue to be mainstays on the Saudi-sponsored circuit.
The three qualifiers are the newest members of the LIV roster, joining Jon Rahm, the winner of the Masters. Last week, Rahm’s historic transfer to the Rebel League was officially announced. It is said that the Spaniard received an incredible £450 million contract.
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