PGA bans some of golf’s biggest names for signing with Saudi-backed tournament

Hemel Hamstead: US Open winner Graham McDowell has blasted the PGA Tour’s decision to ban some of the golf’s biggest names – including Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson – for taking part in the first Saudi-funded golf league in London.

All 48-members who have signed to the contentious LIV Golf Invitational Series, run by Australian golfing icon Greg Norman, are no longer eligible for PGA Tour events following the announcement, with it still to be determined whether the players will be ever welcome back.

Banned by the PGA: Dustin Johnson of the United States pictured on day one of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club in St Albans, England.Credit:Getty

The decision to impose the sanctions was announced shortly after players teed-off at the $35 million tournament – the richest in the sports history – at Centurion Club about 40km outside London.

After months of controversy, the series began in front of mediocre crowds and dogged by scandal because of its links to so-called sportswashing from the Saudi regime, which has attracted fierce criticism over human rights abuses.

Each tournament offers US$25 million in prize money, with $4 million for the individual winner. The PGA Tour’s richest event is The Players Championship at $20 million. The Canadian Open this week, which has five of the top-10 players in the world, has an $8.7 million purse.

In an open letter to players, PGA commissioner Jay Monahan said the players had “made their choice for their own financial-based reasons”.

LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman pictured during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club.Credit:Getty

“They can’t demand the same PGA Tour membership benefits, considerations, opportunities and platform as you. The expectation disrespects you, our fans and our partners,” he wrote.

“We have followed the tournament regulations from start to finish in responding to those players who have decided to turn their backs on the PGA Tour by willfully violating a regulation.”

He said same fate would hold true for any other players who participate in future Saudi Golf League events. If players had resigned from the tour ahead of the first rebel event, Monahan said, they would not be allowed to play PGA Tour events as a non-member by getting a sponsor exemption.

Ten players had resigned from the PGA Tour, a list that includes Johnson and Sergio Garcia. Mickelson, who earned lifetime membership with his 45 PGA Tour titles, has not.

The ban includes participation in the Presidents Cup, which for the International team is determined by the world ranking. The USGA already has said eligible players can still compete in the US Open next week. The PGA Tour does not run the majors.

LIV Golf responded to the announcement by calling it “vindictive” and “divisive”.

“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,” organisers said in a statement.

Speaking after the opening round, McDowell said the decision from the PGA was not “healthy for the sport”.

“We’re here because we believe we’re independent contractors, and we can do — we should be allowed to compete and play where we want to all over the world,” he said.

JC Ritchie of South Africa plays his second shot on the 16th hole during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational at The Centurion Club in St Albans, England. Credit:Getty

“But we’re in the midst of a competitive threat. We have a compelling option which is not agreeable by the big tours in the world. We have a situation. So, it’s disappointing.”

Garcia, a Masters winner, said he had resigned as a PGA member because before the tournament he “didn’t want to get into my legal battles”.

“I’m very happy to be here for many reasons. It’s going to allow me to do what I love, which is playing golf,” he said.

Mickelson told journalists afterwards that the historic day for the sport was “awfully fun” but refused to talk about the PGA ban.

“The people were terrific, and it was fun to hit some good shots and get in a competitive frame of mind again. I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“Anything regarding PGA Tour matters… I’m not ready to discuss publicly at this time.”

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