Laurie Canter, the English golfer, is set to compete on the DP World Tour this week after being replaced on Ian Poulter’s LIV Golf team by Sam Horsfield. Canter, 33, has decided to participate in this week’s Open de France following Horsfield’s return to Majesticks GC side on the Saudi-backed circuit.
Horsfield, 26, had been out of action due to a hip injury he sustained after finishing T8 at LIV Golf Orlando. In May, he underwent surgery, and during his junior days, Horsfield was mentored by Poulter. Canter stepped in for Horsfield and competed in the last seven events on LIV Golf for the Majesticks, achieving four top-20 finishes. However, the results did little to improve the fortunes of the Majesticks, who currently sit at the bottom of the LIV Golf League standings heading into LIV Golf Chicago this week.
With just three tournaments left on the LIV Golf League schedule for 2023, the new schedule for 2024 is set to be announced soon. Canter has already paid his fine and completed his ban following his LIV Golf commitments, allowing him to return to the DP World Tour. This week’s Open de France will be just his second appearance on the tour in four weeks, having previously competed in the ISPS Handa World Invitational where he missed the cut. Canter also participated in The Open in July, finishing a respectable T17.
Canter recently spoke to The Guardian about his move to LIV Golf, describing it as a “complete life changer” for him financially. It has also given him the opportunity to play alongside some of his golfing heroes at Majesticks GC, such as Poulter, Henrik Stenson, and Lee Westwood. Canter expressed his gratitude for the chance to be on a team with these players and learn from them each week.
The question of whether Canter will remain part of the LIV Golf player roster in 2024 remains uncertain, especially with the ongoing framework agreement between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which funds LIV Golf. Canter voiced his opinion that golf’s civil war has been embarrassing for the game.
In conclusion, Laurie Canter’s return to the DP World Tour this week marks an exciting moment in his career. Despite his involvement with LIV Golf and the setbacks faced by the Majesticks, Canter has shown promise with notable finishes in recent events. As the golfing world awaits the announcement of the 2024 LIV Golf schedule and observes the developments in the sport’s landscape, Canter’s presence in the Open de France serves as a reminder of his talent and determination as he continues to pursue success on the global golfing stage.