International captain Trevor Immelman says he asked the PGA Tour if LIV Golf’s Louis Oosthuizen could participate in the Presidents Cup.
The biennial tournament starts at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina on Thursday, with the US expected to thrash an International team that has been weakened by the non-selection of LIV golfers.
“I did [question Oosthuizen’s participation],” Immelman said when asked about his fellow South African. “And my understanding is that he made particular announcements and allowed himself to be used in different marketing campaigns and announcements once he was not given the release from the PGA Tour, and he did all of those things before he resigned his membership. So, there were still particular infractions there.
“This event is owned and sanctioned by the PGA Tour, and our team is a team that plays by the rules. We’re a team of our word. We’re a team of honour. So that’s where we’re at.
“And every single player that I spoke to from early on in this process knew exactly what the situation and the consequences were going to be. And they knew that if they made certain decisions, it was going to be highly unlikely they were going to be able to represent the International team. So that went into their decision-making process.
“All the cards were out on the table, and everybody knew where they stood.”
Oosthuizen said he was disappointed not to be making his fifth Presidents Cup appearance.
“I feel the most bad for Trev. Trevor’s a good friend. We text each other. He knew my decision beforehand. But still, it sucks.
“I wanted to play for him. He’s going to be a great captain.”
Christiaan Bezuidenhout, the only South African in the International team, has been benched for the first round on Thursday, which will feature five four-ball (best ball) matches.
