Former LIV Golf pro in field for coveted PGA Tour event 'not fussed' by hostility

Laurie Canter says he won't be particularly worried if there is any hostility from PGA Tour members directed towards him at this week's coveted Players Championship.

The 35-year-old Englishman will become the first former LIV Golf recruit to play an official PGA Tour event - other than a major championship - since the hostilities in the men's game began. 

He played his way into the field at TPC Sawgrass by virtue of his Official World Golf Ranking after picking up two big wins on the DP World Tour over the last few months. 

The PGA Tour do have a rule that prohibits LIV players from participating in their events for one year following their last start on the rival league but this has expired for Canter. 

"I can hand on heart say I wouldn't harbour a grudge against someone who'd taken the opportunity to go and play on LIV," Canter told The Times of London.  

"So if anyone feels hostile towards me [at TPC Sawgrass], I won't be particularly worried."

He added: "One of the great things about golf is there's always been a really good level of respect and camaraderie between the players. 

"That was gone for two years and it was an embarrassing time to be a pro because of the things being said, not just by the players but some of the people in and around the organisations in charge of the sport, but I think that period is over now. 

"The hostility is waning. I'm just excited and really proud to have the opportunity to play in this tournament."

Canter participated in the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational Series in 2022. 

Over the last two seasons, he has filled in as a reserve player. 

His career trajectory could have been considerably different as he was only one putt away from securing a full-time berth with LIV at their Q-School event in 2023. 

Canter told The Times that after missing that putt he drowned his sorrows in a bar at 2am. 

Victories at the European Open and the Bahrain Championship, along with consistent play, have seen Canter rise to No.43 in the OWGR. 

He'll also believe that he could qualify outright for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team. 

Canter's comments come at a time where it appears talks between the PGA Tour and LIV's backers, the PIF of Saudi Arabia, have ground to a halt. 

Earlier in the week PGA Tour boss Jay Monahan claimed some hurdles remain with the PIF but Donald Trump's intervention had 'bolstered' the talks. 

"We're doing everything we can to bring the two sides together," Monahan said.

"That said, we will not do so in a way that diminishes the strength of our platform or the very real momentum we have with our fans and partners."

The peace talks have been ongoing since June 2023. 

Former Masters champion and player director Adam Scott later conceded a deal may not be possible.