The Presidents Cup will once again miss some big names from the International team. Captain Geoff Ogilvy believes LIV Golf restrictions are still hurting his team. With the event coming closer, the Australians wanted players like Cameron Smith and Lucas Herbert to play against the Americans.

Ogilvy has repeatedly asked the PGA Tour about LIV players returning to the Presidents Cup, but nothing has changed yet. While talking to the Australian media, he explained that officials have not completely closed the door on LIV Golf players. 

“I asked it two years ago when this job started - ‘is there going to be any chance? '” Ogilvy said. “‘Well, it’s not going to be no chance, but we have to see how it unfolds’.”

Ogilvy believes that officials still have not reached the point where they are ready to allow LIV Golf players back, as reported by Fox Sports’ Dane Heverin.

“I guess it just hasn’t unfolded to the point where they’re ready to, sort of, let that happen,” Ogilvy said.

As a result, Smith and Herbert will not be available for the International team. Herbert’s record-equalling 62 at The Open in July made his absence even more noticeable.

The PGA Tour owns the Presidents Cup. This is different from the Ryder Cup, where LIV Golf players were allowed to compete last year.

Ogilvy feels this situation puts the International team at a disadvantage. The team has already lost several players to LIV Golf since the 2019 Presidents Cup.

Jason Day also misses out as injury ends Presidents Cup hopes 

The same Fox Sports report also shared another problem for Ogilvy’s team. Jason Day will not be able to play because a back injury ended his chances of making the team. 

The former world No. 1 was trying to earn a place in the Presidents Cup while also trying to keep his 17-year streak of reaching the FedEx Cup playoffs.

Ogilvy offered Day a player-assistant role. He felt Day’s experience could help the team even if he could not play. However, Day decided to focus on his recovery first.

“I actually asked Jason if he would like to, and he said he’d rather focus on his rehab of his back,” Ogilvy said.

Ogilvy said Day’s back injury made it hard for him to take part in the Presidents Cup. Every player needs to be ready to play during the full week, including the singles matches. Ogilvy did not think it was worth risking Day’s recovery.

“He needs to get himself squared away,” Ogilvy said.

Ogilvy also spoke about the 2028 Presidents Cup. The event will return to Australia and take place at Kingston Heath. He hopes LIV Golf’s plans will allow all eligible International and US players to compete.

For now, Ogilvy has to build his International team without some of the best players available.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Kapil Manghnani brings over 4.5 years of experience in sports journalism, covering a wide range of sports, including Soccer, NHL, Tennis, Gymnastics, NASCAR, Swimming, and more. He has written for leading sports platforms, producing everything from breaking news and features to in-depth analysis, opinion pieces, long-form stories, and short-form content. Beyond articles, he has also scripted long-form storytelling videos for YouTube channels. His work focuses on delivering well-researched, engaging, and reader-first sports content across multiple formats.

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