The PGA have confirmed in a statement
The PGA have announced that they have suspended all players who chose to participate in the controversial Saudi-backed LIV International Golf Series.
Some of the biggest names in the sport, including the likes of Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, will now no longer be able to play on the PGA circuit.
In a letter released to PGA Tour members, commissioner Jay Monahan stated that those who have joined onto the LIV tour did not receive media releases, nor did they apply for them to play in the Golf series which is currently being played in Hertfordshire.
"If Vladimir Putin had a tournament, would you play there?"
"Would you have played in Apartheid South Africa?"
Watch as multiple golfers duck the difficult questions about their participation in the new, Saudi-funded LIV Series 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/wlfHysE9L2
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOE_UK) June 9, 2022
Monahan also added that those players who had joined had “decided to turn their backs on the PGA Tour by willfully violating a regulation” as well as warning that “the same fate holds true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events in violation of our regulations.”
LIV Golf released a statement themselves in response to the revelation and said that the PGA’s reaction would only “deepen the divide between the Tour and its members.”
It 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.”
Official statement from LIV Golf pic.twitter.com/UBt4DpRdS4
— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) June 9, 2022
Monahan also revealed that those who had resigned from the PGA tour – Garcia, Westwood, Johnson, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Kevin Na, Louis Oosthuizen, Turk Pettit, Branden Grace and Charl Schwartzel – will not be allowed to play in tournaments as non-members through sponsor exemptions.
They will also be removed from the FedEx points list.
He said: “These players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. 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.”
You can read the full letter to PGA Tour members here.
Related links:
- Tiger Woods rejected nearly $1billion to join rebel Saudi golf tour
- Paris police chief finally apologises for tear gassing Liverpool fans before Champions League final
- Fresh images of definitely not Saudi-themed Newcastle away shirt emerge
