Some of the world's top professional golfers have been suspended from the PGA Tour after entering the controversial LIV Golf series events. The PGA has confirmed that the players will not be allowed to play in their tournaments 30 minutes after the inaugural LIV competition got under away at Centurion Club in Hertfordshire.
LIV has been a controversial addition to golf as it is backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, leading many to criticise the country's human rights records. However, the competition - whose chief executive is golf legend Greg Norman - has been offering huge prize money and financial offers to the world's leading players to enter.
Tournaments in the LIV series will be played over 54 holes rather than 72 like at PGA events. Its first competition - the Invitational Series event - has a prize pot of $25million (£20million) and features the likes of major winners Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell.
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Players had been warned that if they took part in the event, they faced sanctions from the PGA, and the competition has kept its word. “In accordance with the PGA Tour’s Tournament Regulations, the players competing this week without releases are suspended or otherwise no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play, including the Presidents Cup,” a statement from PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan read.
“This also applies to all tours sanctioned by the PGA Tour: the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA Tour Canada and PGA Tour Latinoamerica. Their participation in the Saudi Golf League/LIV Golf event is in violation of our Tournament Regulations. The same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our Regulations.”
LIV were quick to respond, saying: “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.”
Several players including Johnson, Garcia, McDowell and Kaymer had already resigned from the PGA Tour, as had England's Lee Westwood, who is also taking part at Centurion Club. The suspended players will be taken off the FedEx Cup points list after the Canadian Open finishes on Sunday and will be banned from taking part in other PGA events.
“These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons,” Monahan added. But they can’t demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. That expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners.”
