The PGA Tour is set to suspend 17 members, who are currently competing in the rival golfing event, the Saudi Arabia LIV Golf Series
The PGA has moved to ban members from competing in the LIV Golf Series, citing violations of Tournament rules.
The players allegedly violated Tournament regulations by not completing the required release rights.
The major ban impacts a number of world champions including Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter, and Dustin Johnson.
Meaning their participation in the Saudi Arabia event conflicts with the PGA tour.
The PGA released a letter to its members saying the players had willfully violated its tour.
“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 have made a different choice, which is to abide by the Tournament Regulations you agreed to when you accomplished the dream of earning a PGA TOUR card and, more importantly, to compete as part of the preeminent organization in the world of professional golf…
The players have made their choice for their own financial-based reasons. But they can’t demand the same PGA TOUR membership benefits”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan memo to members
PGA letter to membersGolf – The inaugural LIV Golf Invitational – Centurion Club, St Albans, Britain – June 8, 2022 Team Hy Flyers Phil Mickelson of the U.S. during a press conference Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
The LIV Golf series is backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund.
The Tournament has pledged to award $250 million in total prize money, with the money being shared between the top three winning teams at the end of the week.
The final 12 teams had been announced with the first event set to kick off in London.
LIV Golf quickly hit back at PGA’s announcement.
“Today’s announcement by the PGA Tour is vindictive and it deepens the divide between the Tour and its members.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.”
LIV Golf tournament
Photo Credit: News 24
Golfers impacted by the ban have also hit back at the ban and plan to appeal the decision.
“Of course I’m going to appeal. It makes no sense,” Poulter said. “I’ve always had the ability to play golf all around the world. What’s wrong with that? I haven’t done anything wrong. How many which ways do you want to cut that? I’ve don’t know many different events I’ve played around the world on different circuits. I’ve played the Asian Tour, the Japanese Tour. I’ve played in China, in South Africa. I’ve played everywhere, the game of golf that I love. They’re going take that opportunity away? That’s disappointing.”
Ian Poulter
Now, further investigations will be underway to see if the members will ever be able to return to future PGA tours.
Excellent take from Justin Thomas as reports swirl that Bryson, Reed, & Fowler are next up defecting from the Tour to join LIV Golf. pic.twitter.com/UdV94yu9cY
NASA’s Artemis II rocket is ready for its first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years, featuring Argentina’s ATENEA microsatellite.
NASA’s Artemis II rocket has arrived at Kennedy Space Center, marking the first crewed Moon mission in more than five decades.
The mission will carry a crew of four astronauts on a ten-day journey around the Moon, with a wet dress rehearsal scheduled for February 2 to test all systems.
In a historic moment for Latin America, Argentina’s ATENEA microsatellite will join the Artemis II mission as secondary cargo. Developed through a collaboration of Argentine institutions, ATENEA will collect crucial data on radiation and communications systems in space, making Argentina the only Latin American country contributing to this milestone mission.
The Artemis II mission will also validate life support and spacecraft systems ahead of Artemis III, NASA’s planned crewed lunar landing in 2027. With the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft now on Launch Pad 39B, excitement is building for this next giant leap in space exploration.
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Iran warns of severe retaliation against U.S. strikes, amid escalating tensions and internal unrest.
Iran has issued a stark warning of a severe response to any U.S. military strike, with leaders stressing that military action would be treated as an act of war.
President Masoud Pezeshkian cautioned that attacks on strategic sites or leadership figures could trigger retaliation against U.S. and allied forces in the region — including potential targets in Israel and American bases. These warnings come as tensions between Tehran and Washington escalate amid sustained unrest across Iran.
The backdrop for this diplomatic brinkmanship is a bitter standoff between Tehran and the U.S., with U.S. President Donald Trump publicly debating options for intervention and criticising Iran’s leadership.
Tehran, for its part, has blamed external forces for stoking internal dissent and insists it will fiercely defend its sovereignty.
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Major EU nations criticize Trump’s Greenland tariffs as “blackmail,” risking trade agreements and raising tensions across the Atlantic.
Major EU nations are pushing back against President Trump’s tariff threats over Greenland, calling them “blackmail” and raising tensions across the Atlantic. Germany and France are reportedly considering economic countermeasures to respond to the U.S. stance.
Trade agreements with the UK and the EU could be at risk, as these threats put key negotiations in jeopardy. The European Parliament is also expected to pause discussions on the EU-U.S. trade deal, signaling a growing rift.
Meanwhile, British officials insist their position on Greenland is non-negotiable, adding complexity to an already tense situation.
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