The Saudi-backed LIV Golf tees off, and the PGA Tour quickly suspends 17 players

Dustin Johnson of the United States, left, and Martin Kaymer of Germany on the practice green before the first round of the inaugural LIV Golf Invitational at the Centurion Club in St. Albans, England, on Thursday. (Alastair Grant/AP)

Even before it started, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series reshaped the careers of several high-profile players, costing golfers such as Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson their relationships with the PGA Tour and some of their sponsors.

A reprisal had been expected from the PGA Tour — and immediately after the inaugural LIV tournament teed off on Thursday, the PGA issued sanctions against 17 players who defected to the new series.