Ian Poulter is set to appeal his suspension from the PGA Tour after competing in this week’s LIV Golf Invitational Series event in St Albans. Poulter is one of many stars who has joined the controversial circuit, and is playing at Centurion Club this week.
Within minutes of the inaugural event kicking off on Thursday, PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan revealed that all those competing on the rebel circuit were in fact suspended. In a statement the Tour boss said: “Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations.
"The same fate [suspension] holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.”
Following the sanction, Poulter revealed he would be appealing the decision, describing the ban as making ‘no sense’. While competing in Hertfordshire, he said: “I will appeal for sure. It makes no sense.
“Having two Tour cards and the ability to play golf all over the world, what's wrong with that? I didn't resign my membership because I don't feel I have done anything wrong. I have played all over the world for 25 years. This is no different ... it's a power struggle and it's just disappointing."
Poulter and his fellow Saudi-circuit rebels have received the backing of LIV Golf, who immediately hit back at the American-based tour. The statement said: “Today’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.
“It’s troubling that the Tour, an organisation dedicated to creating opportunities for golfers to play the game, is the entity blocking golfers from playing. This certainly is not the last word on this topic. The era of free agency is beginning as we are proud to have a full field of players joining us in London, and beyond."
Poulter is joined by fellow European stalwarts Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia in being issued suspensions, as well as American stars Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, with the latter already shocking the golfing world by announcing his PGA Tour resignation earlier in the week.
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The suspension is also set to impact one of the game’s biggest names in Bryson DeChambeau, after the American was confirmed as LIV Golf’s latest recruit on Friday. Confirming the acquisition of DeChambeau, CEO Norman said: “Bryson DeChambeau is an exciting addition to LIV Golf’s supercharged style of play. He is passionate about the sport, innovative in his approach and committed to pushing the boundaries in pursuit of excellence.
“He’s not afraid to think outside the box and supports our mission of doing things differently to grow our game."The power and energy he brings to the course will deliver added electricity to our competition in Portland and beyond.”
