Martin Trainer, who played in recent LIV golf promotions events at PONTE VEDRA Beach, Florida knew that playing was risky but he went ahead anyway.
He said, “We’ll have to wait and see.” “They could fine me.”
He meant the PGA Tour when he said ‘they’. The Tour initially confirmed that it did not view LIV as an “unauthorized event” because of its status as qualifying event. There was one wrinkle, however, that made many players pass up the opportunity. That was the requirement for a Tour media release. The deadlines for PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour members were 45 days and 15 days respectively. Although the LIV golf promotions were announced in February they weren’t announced officially until October 26, less than 45days before the first round of the Dec. 8 tournament.
Trainer explained that it was “a strange situation” because he was trying to keep his card, but then he didn’t. He weighed options and that is how he got into the pickle. “I don’t think there will be a ban, but probably a fine.”
Why do you do it?
Trainer, winner of the Puerto Rico Open 2019, said: “It was an opportunity.” The 32-year old pro, who finished 178 th in this season’s FedEx Cup, is currently competing at PGA Tour Q School. “I’ll be able to play some European Tour events and I have a small status with Korn Ferry. I will also get into PGA Tour events.” It was two chances for me to get full status on major tours.
Trainer did not earn one of three spots to join LIV Golf Abu Dhabi and will need a stellar final round to finish among the top five. He is T-54 with an even-par score of 210 after shooting 72 on Saturday.
Trainer, who missed 23 cuts on Tour in 28 starts, feels like he is starting to improve his game. He still wants to chase after the Tour but has contemplated a life without golf.
He told NCGA Golf’s fall issue, “I don’t want to struggle in the mini tours.” If I don’t get on Tour, I would like to return to school to become a real therapist. Not sports psychology. Trainer stated that he finds the human condition, and its challenges, more fascinating. Trainer laughed and remarked, “Obviously, there’s plenty to analyze about myself.”
