Billy Horschel has hit out at the 17 LIV Golf members who are playing at this week's BMW PGA Championship - asking them why they are competing?
The PGA Tour ace won the Wentworth event last year and says it 'stinks' that LIV Golf rebels can compete for the top prize of £1.1million with a total of £7m available. There are also ranking points up for grabs which could help the rebel members move up the world rankings, points not available on the LIV Golf series.
Members of the Saudi-backed series are allowed to play in DP World Tour events after having their suspensions "temporary stayed" until the outcome of a hearing next February.
"Those guys when they signed that deal and the money that they got they had to be smart enough to factor in that they knew that they may not be able to play either Tour (PGA Tour or DP World Tour)," said Horschel.
"They may not be able to get world ranking points so the money they got was factored in and that's why they signed them deals. As much as I got along with Lee (Westwood) and Ian (Poulter) very well, they've supported the Tour for quite some time over their careers.
"I honestly feel it's a slap in the face to the rest of the members of this Tour. That they're coming to play, I believe the biggest purse on the DP World Tour with a full field. They are going to be taking money out of guys' pockets this week.
"I don't think that's right in my opinion. I don't fault them for making the decision. The more I talk to some of the players (LIV Golf members) the more I don't think it's right. Are they really trying to help the DP World Tour."
Horschel has also taken issue with Mexican Abraham Ancers and American Talor Goochs playing at the tournament.
"The Abraham Ancers, the Talor Goochs: You've never played this tournament, you've never supported the DP World Tour. Why are you here? You are here for one reason only and that's to try to get world ranking points - because you don't have it," added Horschel.
"It's hypocritical because of what some of these guys have said this week when they said they wanted to play less golf. It's pretty hypocritical to come over here and play outside LIV when your big thing was to spend more time with family and want to play less golf."
