US Open champion JJ Spaun has withdrawn from the WM Phoenix Open just hours before the opening round.
Spaun was in a decent group at TPC Scottsdale and set to tee it up alongside Sahith Theegala and Sam Burns – with his place in that three-ball being taken up by Marcelo Rozo.
As Spaun is seen by some as a possible target for LIV Golf, and in particular as a replacement for Patrick Reed on the 4Aces team.
Team captain Dustin Johnson has called up Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines to play in the LIV Golf League opener in Riyadh this week, but he’s not seen as a permanent replacement.
Tabuena says it is “an unbelievable opportunity for me this week” as he plays alongside Johnson and Belgian pair Thomas Detry and Thomas Pieters.
“Competing against the best players in the world has always been a dream of mine, and I still can’t believe it’s finally happening,” said the winner of last year’s International Series Philippines in front of his home fans.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Tabuena is unlikely to be a full-time 4Aces player though, with Spaun a popular name being mentioned about replacing Reed.
Grabbing the reigning US Open champion would be a decent get for LIV Golf, and a big boost after losing both Reed and Brooks Koepka.
LIV Golf being awarded OWGR ranking points may help in future bids to sign new players, but whether Spaun will be one of them remains to be seen.
“I think people want to be on the PGA Tour,” Spaun said just last week at Torrey Pines. “It’s the best Tour in the world, the most competitive Tour.
“I think Patrick will be a good asset to this Tour,” he added about Reed. “And I think it just speaks volumes to where the Tour’s headed. I think to add even more competition for us that have been here while they left, and, you know, adding Brooks and Patrick now, it’s just strengthening our Tour, which I…
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