'There Will Be Friction There, That's Why I'm Not Going - Kaymer To Skip Wentworth

The former World No.1, who now plays for LIV Golf, won't be featuring at the BMW PGA Championship

Kaymer sits at a press conference with LIV Golf logos behind him
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Martin Kaymer has explained his decision to skip the DP World Tour's flagship event at Wentworth, with the LIV golfer stating that he does not want to play somewhere he "is not welcome".

Speaking to Golf Digest on Thursday after finishing the pro-am at the LIV Golf Invitational Boston, Kaymer said: "Of course, there will be friction there, that's why I'm not going. I don't need to go to a place where, feel-wise, you're not that welcome. They don't say it, but (it's there)."

WHAT IS LIV GOLF?

The German is the first player from the Saudi-backed series to withdraw from the BMW PGA Championship, a tournament that is set to have around 20 LIV golfers teeing it up at Wentworth.

Along with the likes of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter, the quartet of Patrick Reed, Abraham Ancer, Talor Gooch and Kevin Na secured their places in the field thanks to their spots inside the top 60 in the World Rankings.

Many golfers have reacted to the news that LIV golfers will be partaking in the event, with Rory McIlroy stating that "it's going to be hard to stomach going to Wentworth in a couple of weeks' time and seeing 18 of them there. That just doesn't sit right with me."

Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood during the first LIV Golf Invitational Series tournament in London

Poulter and Westwood will be two of the near 20 LIV golfers appearing in Surrey

(Image credit: Getty Images)

DP World Tour CEO, Keith Pelley, has also confirmed his stipulations for the rebels, with a memo from Pelley, obtained by The Golf Channel, reading: “They will not be given any on course competitive disadvantage – i.e. unfavorable tee times – but they will not be required to play in the pro-am on Wednesday and will not be in TV featured groups.”

Despite missing the event, Kaymer insists that he still has a soft spot for the Tour and their flagship event at Wentworth, but the circumstances around the discomfort has made him swerve the tournament. 

"I do love the European Tour and I do like Wentworth; I think it's a flagship event that people like to participate in,' Kaymer said. "But under those circumstances, I try to stay in the area where the energy is high, where the energy is positive. 

"I don't know why I should fly to England, [and] be on the golf course for four or five days where you are not that welcome, I would say. It has nothing to do with the European Tour or the players or anything like that... but where we are right now (in professional golf), I try to stay away. I will wait until everything settles."

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x