James Piot was demoted in 2023 and lost his position with LIV Golf. However, the young player hopes to return via the Asian Tour’s International Series.
Many in the golf industry are divided about LIV Golf’s ascent to the top of the professional golf pyramid, but James Piot, a former U.S. Amateur champion, is one person who is extremely supportive of the breakaway league.
After establishing himself as one of the top amateurs in the world, Piot decided against following the easy path into the professional ranks when offered the chance to sign with LIV Golf. One of the founding members of the breakaway league, the Michigan man participated in LIV’s inaugural event at Centurion back in June 2022.
Piot played for the remainder of the 2022 season despite the controversy surrounding the Saudi-sponsored series, and was called up to play in the league’s inaugural full season the following year.
Following a few consistent performances in season one, the longer schedule proved to be a little more difficult. Unable to regain his best form, he was demoted from the league along with Chase Koepka, Sihwan Kim, and Jediah Morgan. Even though the outcome was not what he had hoped for, Piot is all praise for the Saudi-funded circuit.
“Playing with LIV was the coolest part of my life the last two seasons, so for me, I really want to get back there,” he said to Mirror Sport. having the chance to play golf with elite players at prestigious locations. Speaking from someone who spent two years there, I believe LIV Golf to be the greatest thing ever.
Thankfully, Piot’s fate is not entirely sealed, as he has been granted the opportunity to participate in the Asian Tour following his demob from the LIV setup. Since then, Piot has focused on the International Series on the Tour, which awards the season-long winner a spot on the LIV roster for the upcoming season.
First to benefit was Andy Ogletree, a fellow former U.S. Amateur champion who had been dropped after the first event at Centurion but went on to dominate the Series in 2023 and earn a recall to the breakaway league. Piot is naturally hoping he can walk in Ogletree’s shoes.
“It’s all about earning a LIV sport,” he continued. “Everyone knows that the LIV spot is in jeopardy and that it’s time to move, and these guys want it too. That is the plan, and that is how I personally want to regain my spot on LIV. With travels to places like Oman and Macau, which are very different from Michigan State, Piot’s experience on the Asian Tour has undoubtedly given him a fresh outlook on the game.
He is, however, enjoying his new adventure on the other side of the globe. “I think the best way to describe it is unique,” he said. “There have been amazing events at a lot of different locations that, as an American, I never would have imagined going. I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world and doing what I love, and the fields have been really strong. I have had an amazing time.
After being offered the opportunity to collaborate with golfing icon and league poster child Phil Mickelson, Piot’s road to the LIV setup may have been less bumpy than most. Choosing to include Piot in his HyFlyers for 2023, the six-time major champion gave the 25-year-old the opportunity to train under one of the greatest.
The former Amateur champion praised Mickelson’s influence, saying, “Phil is an amazing captain. It was phenomenal.” He went above and beyond what I would have expected of a captain. Even though I knew he was one of the greatest players of all time going in, I wasn’t sure what to anticipate, but I believe he exceeded my expectations.
“He was a great mentor and captain and a great leader.” No doubt keen to reunite with Mickelson in 2025, Piot enjoyed a solid start to his International Series campaign, finishing in a tie for 27th in Oman last week, ending the tournament at three-under-par.
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