Laurie Canter has secured a spot in next week’s Players Championship on the PGA Tour, marking a significant milestone in his career. After rising to No. 42 in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), Canter is set to become the first former LIV Golf player to participate in a PGA Tour event that is not co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour.
The achievement follows Canter’s impressive performance at the South African Open, where he finished as runner-up. His strong finish was especially notable after a rain-affected final round, which was canceled on Sunday. At the time, Canter was tied for the lead with Dylan Naidoo, but after the weather cleared, the two played a one-hole playoff. Naidoo emerged victorious, but Canter still had much to be proud of as his finish propelled him into the top 50 of the world rankings.
Canter’s success in South Africa was the latest chapter in a remarkable comeback following his departure from LIV Golf. Having last played in a LIV event in Las Vegas in February 2024, Canter’s career has taken a significant turn. He was part of LIV’s inaugural season in 2022, playing in every tournament before stepping in as a substitute for an injured Sam Horsfield in 2023. Despite not securing a contract for the 2024 season, he kept his competitive fire alive with two wildcard starts.
His 2024 campaign on the DP World Tour has been a standout one, with Canter claiming his first victory at the European Open and finishing 24th in the Race to Dubai rankings. That momentum carried into 2025, as he began the year with a strong showing in the Team Cup and placed third at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He followed that up with a win at the Bahrain Championship and another high finish in South Africa.
Thanks to these accomplishments, Canter is enjoying a career-high ranking and a crucial invitation to The Players Championship. With an eye on securing a spot in the Masters Tournament next month, he now faces the challenge of staying in the top 50 to maintain eligibility for the season’s first major.